Get in the zone for an alcohol-free Wales game on Saturday
WALES’ clash with Scotland this weekend will see the introduction of an alcohol-free zone at Principality Stadium for the first time.
The Welsh Rugby Union introduced the trials – which will take place at each of Wales’ four autumn internationals this month – after several incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported during last year’s autumn series, including a disabled fan being subjected to abuse.
Ahead of the fixtures against Scotland, Australia, Tonga and South Africa, the WRU’s CEO Martyn Phillips and Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams explained how the alcohol-free zone would work and how they aim to collaborate with fans so they can enjoy the best matchday experience possible.
A total of 4,200 seats are available in the alcohol-free zone, located in the North Stand, of the stadium.
The WRU has confirmed that 2,500 supporters have purchased tickets in the North Stand for the Doddie Weir Cup game.
Due to the unique structure of the North Stand, located directly behind one set of the goalposts at the stadium, the WRU feels it is easier to segregate those who can and can’t drink alcohol in that section of the ground.
“We’ve chosen this part of the ground because we can segregate it relatively easily,” said Phillips.
“We don’t want somebody on one side of an aisle with a drink and someone on the other side without, and them thinking they’d bought a ticket in the alcohol-free zone. So people won’t be allowed to bring alcoholic drinks to their seats. We’re pretty confident through stewarding that we’ll be able to achieve that.”
The concourse underneath the stand behind the alcohol-free zone has been spruced up ahead of Wales’ four November outings.
“The team have done a good job, certainly beyond the brief we gave,” he added.
“What became apparent when we came over here, as this is the oldest part of the stadium, for those who did know it before, it was pretty dark and dingy downstairs, so there’s been a good job done lifting it.
“We’ve put in more food outlets so that people who want to come and not drink can have a bite to eat and have soft drinks as well.”
Fans will still be able to purchase and drink alcohol in the concourse underneath the North Stand. However, unlike at previous matches, they will no longer be able to take alcoholic drinks up into the seating area of the stadium.
The WRU expects approximately 10,000 supporters to occupy a seat in the alcohol-free zone over the course of Wales’ autumn schedule.
It has been revealed that those who do sit in the alcohol-free zone at any stage during Wales’ autumn clashes will be emailed a survey to complete after the match in order to review their experiences.
And in addition to asking for feedback after matches, Phillips also revealed he and Williams will mix in with fans during games to get their opinions on the alcohol-free zone.
“I think it’s a really meaningful trial,” added Phillips. “We’ll gather surveys all the way along, so people who bought tickets will be asked to complete a survey. Mark and I will definitely be over here in all our games chatting to people.
“I’m quite interested to see the demographic. Will there be loads of families? Is it an older or younger demographic? None of us really know. That’s going to be interesting to see what it looks like.
“We’re going to learn a lot and we’ll make sure we’re open to what we’ve learned and develop it from there once we’ve got some sort of firm conclusions.”
Enhanced security measures remain in place at the ground, and the WRU has urged fans to arrive at Principality Stadium as early as possible.
Supporters will be able to enter the stadium three hours before the 2.45pm kick-off against the Scots, meaning fans will be able to arrive from 11.45am on Saturday.
“As always we appeal to all fans to drink sensibly and enjoy the game and also to let our stewards know if there is anything we can do to improve their individual experience,” added Phillips.
“Stewards are there to help and in a crowd of over 62,000 they will be doing their level best to look after everyone in the ground.
“To this end we are also appealing to supporters to help us by arriving as early as possible before kick-off so our stewards can process everyone safely and securely and everyone can enjoy the game right from the off.”