Ulster Rugby v Scarlets

STAFF PROFILE

NAME: FERGUS THOMPSON ROLE: STADIUM FACILITIES MANAGER

Describe your role within Ulster Rugby? I’m the Stadium Facilities Manager so I look after the stadium grounds and buildings, and everything in them. The role covers maintenance, projects, health & safety, fire safety, cleaning, security, waste etc. I also have responsibility for the pitch as the grounds team report to me, headed by James Laird. On matchdays my role is different from the routine day-to-day stuff, as I have to ensure the stadium is safe, working, clean and ready to go when the gates open, and through until everyone leaves again. Describe your career / employment history? I have a background as a Chartered Building Services Engineer, having studied in University of Ulster, before working in Bombardier as a Facilities Engineer. I then spent time as a consulting engineer with Fin Engineering before taking up a Facilities Management job with Seagate Technology, working over 13 years at two different sites. Then the job for Facilities Manager at Ulster Rugby /Kingspan Stadium came up, and the opportunities to work for your favourite sports team are few and far between. Favourite thing about your job? My favourite thing is working on match-nights when the final whistle goes, Ulster have won, and there have been no incidents around the stadium during the evening. What do you enjoy most about working for Ulster Rugby? I enjoy the variety within my job and the responsibility of looking after a beautiful rugby stadium. I like being out and around the grounds occasionally bumping into some of the players and coaches for a chat.

What is your biggest achievement to date? The Women’s World Cup in August 2017 was a huge achievement for everyone working here. There was a massive amount of preparation and coordination by a large team behind the scenes, and it was a great success. The attendance and atmosphere at the matches was better than expected and the stadium looked fantastic. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? My most challenging role is trying to improve the relationships we have with our neighbours. The stadium is right in the middle of a large residential area with houses all around. We have up to 18,000 people here for matches and the travel and parking can cause lots of problems if you are trying to go about your normal life. The Kingspan Stadium Community Committee was setup in 2017 between Ulster Rugby, Ravenhill Residents Association, Cregagh Residents Association, PSNI, Belfast City Council and some local MLAs. I feel we have made good progress within the committee to improve relationships and communication so far. What are your plans/goals for the upcoming season? To continue keeping the stadium safe and looking fresh. As it gets older it gets harder and more expensive to maintain. Who is your favourite Ulster player? Louis Ludik, as he is always 100% committed on the pitch. When he gets the ball he runs flat out and when defending he is fully committed in the tackle. Plus, he’s a really nice guy.

To get in touch with Fergus, email fergus.thompson@ulsterrugby.com

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