Alcohol-free zone to be trialled at autumn games

WALES rugby fans will see an alcoholfree zone being trialled at the Principality Stadium during the autumn internationals this year.

Warren Gatland’s men will face Scotland, Australia, Tonga and South Africa in this year’s Autumn Under Armour series.

Confirming the fixtures, the WRU said there will be a trial of a designated seating area in the North Stand of the stadium where fans will not be able to take alcoholic drinks to their seats.

The WRU says the alcohol-free zone has been introduced after extensive research conducted with supporters who attended the autumn internationals last year and the Six Nations matches earlier this year.

A number of alcohol-related incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported during last year’s autumn series, including a disabled fan being subjected to abuse.

The alcohol-free zone will be trialled at each of the four matches this November, and WRU bosses say offering more choice “is the way forward”.

It is understood the alcohol-free zone will be one of two tiers in the North Stand.

There will also be a 30% increase in disabled seating at the stadium.

WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said: “First and foremost we have an impressive fixture list for the Under Armour Series this autumn, one that will challenge Warren and his team and provide ideal preparation for the following Six Nations Championship and the 2019 Rugby World Cup thereafter, and also some fascinating contests to capture the imaginations of the rugby loving public in Wales.

“The matches are as accessible as they have ever been, with supporters able to buy tickets now from their local clubs, where they can be sure the money spent directly benefits the club due to a unique cashback scheme we operate with our member clubs.

“We have listened to supporters and have over 215,000 concessionary tickets available to under-16s and we have also conducted extensive research with supporters over the course of our last seven home matches.

“We know that, for the vast majority, having a drink is an important part of the match-day experience.

“Equally we have also identified a customer group who would welcome an alcohol free zone and we are pleased to confirm that this will be trialled at each of the four matches this November.

“We will provide further details of the trial shortly, including more information about purchasing tickets for these seats. We are very proud of our stadium experience, but don’t want to be complacent.

“Having looked at the data and listened to fans we’re confident that offering more choice is the way forward and we are grateful to our many partners for their help and support in making this new initiative possible.

“We’re also delighted to announce an increase in disabled seating which is further evidence of the importance we place on having a broad offer for fans.”

Wales play Scotland on Saturday, November 3, with the Wallabies, Tonga and the Springboks set to follow on consecutive Saturdays in the month.