Arrive early and get in quicker, rugby fans told
RUGBY fans heading to Wales’ showdown with Georgia tomorrow have been warned to arrive early after thousands of supporters missed the start of last Saturday’s clash with Australia.
Ticket-holders have also been warned to expect travel disruption, with rail replacement buses running on some routes.
Legions of frustrated fans were left standing in the rain outside Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as Warren Gatland’s men began their autumn campaign.
They missed kick-off despite the Welsh Rugby Union warning spectators ahead of the match that enhanced security measures would be in place.
Gates are due to open at 11.30am for tomorrow’s game, which kicks off at 2.30pm – and the message is that fans should arrive as early as possible in order to get in more quickly.
Stadium manager Mark Williams said: “To allow for the increased security checks, we have doubled the amount of time that the stadium is open prior to kick-off from 90 minutes to three hours and broadcast this message as widely as possible.
“Despite these efforts, only 10% of ticket-holders arrived at the stadium in the first hour-and-a-half of opening last weekend.
“As such, regrettably, the surge in arrivals later than we had advised slowed entry to the stadium, mean- ing some attendees missed the kickoff.”
In order to encourage as many fans as possible to arrive earlier, there will be additional entertainment around the concourses when the gates open and earlybird deals on food and drink for those supporters who get in early.
“One of the key things for fans to understand is that if you arrive early the likelihood is that you will get in quicker and, conversely, the later you leave it the longer you may be in a queue and the greater the risk of you missing kick-off,” said the former lieutenant colonel in The Royal Welsh.
“Enhanced security has been in place at all events at Principality Stadium since April 2017. The sole intent is enhanced safety and security for fans attending the stadium, taking into account the current security climate and, more specifically, UK terror threat levels.”
The enhanced security measures will see stewards check everybody entering the stadium.
However South Wales Police have said there is no specific threat to Cardiff.
Fans are again being advised to leave large bags and umbrellas at home as they will not be able to take them into the ground, with Mr Williams adding: “We strongly urge fans to assist us in maintaining a safe and secure stadium by getting in early and leaving large bags and umbrellas at home to avoid unnecessary delays and disappointment.”
However small bags and handbags will be permitted, provided they are no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm.
There are no bag storage facilities available at the stadium so fans are advised to plan ahead if they intend travelling to Cardiff with a large bag.
Spectators have also been warned there will be no trains running from Bristol tomorrow, when more than 50,000 fans are expected to attend the game.
Buses will run direct from Bristol Temple Meads and from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central from 8am until 1pm.
Then after the final whistle direct buses will run both to Bristol Temple Meads and to Bristol Parkway from outside Cardiff Central until 7.30pm.
Long-distance services between south Wales and London Paddington will be diverted between Newport and Swindon, non-stop via Gloucester, adding around 30 minutes to journey times.
Replacement buses will also operate between: Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway; Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach; Swindon, Bristol Parkway and Newport; and Bristol Parkway and Yate.
The work on the railways includes overhead line equipment, used to hold the wires for electrification, being installed. There are also going to be platform upgrades at Bristol Parkway station and improvements to the track layout.
Matthew Barnes, from Great Western Railway, said: “This upgrade work will help to relieve a bottleneck at Bristol Parkway, which is crucial to be able to provide more frequent services; and alongside electrification of the line, will help to deliver the full benefit of our new Intercity express trains.
“We would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience during this weekend and have provided a number of additional direct bus links to support this weekend’s rugby.”
Ross Liddell, project sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The upgrade of Bristol Parkway station is vital as we continue to deliver the benefits of our railway upgrade plan, with the new platform one available for use towards the end of this year.
“I’d like to thank residents living near to the railway and passengers for their continued support throughout the modernisation work which forms part of our railway upgrade plan.”
For more details, customers are advised to visit GWR.com/Bristol2017, and to use online journey planners for specific train times.
Bristol Parkway station remains open throughout the work.