SHEFFIELD will open the new speedway season in style on March 13 - by facing the reigning Elite League champions!
Coventry have agreed to visit Owlerton to officially launch the 2008 campaign with Tigers going to Brandon the following night for the return.
It's a great way for the tapes to fly up on what promises to be an exciting season with British Grand Prix winner Chris Harris in town along with former Sheffield rider Simon Stead, who won two league titles at Owlerton in 1999 and 2002.
Coventry won the Elite League with a crushing play-off success over Swindon last October and added the Knockout Cup and Peter Craven Shield to complete a magnificent treble.
Tigers owner Neil Machin said: "Our lads are confident they can push the Elite League boys hard on our own track but Coventry insisted we beef up our team for when we go to their place - they reckon we wouldn't be competitive enough, well let's see when they come to us!
"Chris Harris was the talk of the sport for his win at Cardiff in front of 50,000 fans last year, Rory Schlein remains a good friend of this club after his early British career was spent in our Conference League team and we're always pleased to see Simon Stead back at Owlerton - it should be some night!"
*Sheffield Tigers v Coventry Bees, Owlerton Stadium, Inter-League Challenge, Thursday March 13 - 7.45pm.
