FANS HEED UEUE AND ARRIVE EARLY
R UGBY fans were arriving for Wales’ clash against Georgia in Cardiff three hours in advance of kick-off yesterday to avoid queues amid enhanced security checks.
It followed rugby fans being advised to get to the Principality Stadium as early as possible to avoid missing the kick-off for Wales’ second match of the autumn internationals.
Many fans had missed kick-off last weekend when Wales faced Australia due to enhanced security checks.
The WRU opened the gates to the Principality Stadium at 11.30am yesterday, three hours before the 2.30pm kickoff, and had made renewed efforts in the past week to get the message across to supporters to get to the stadium early.
The WRU confirmed earlier this week that just 10 per cent of ticket holders arrived in the first 90 minutes for the Wallabies clash last weekend.
Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams issued a statement in the days before Wales took on Georgia for the first time.
He 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, meaning some attendees missed the kick-off.
“In order to encourage as many fans as possible to arrive earlier, additional entertainment around the concourses when the gates open has been organised, while early bird deals on food and beverages are available for those supporters who get inside the ground 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 have seen stewards endeavour to carry out 100 per cent personal checks at the turnstiles, which apply to everybody entering the stadium.
Fans had been advised to leave large bags and umbrellas at home, as they were not able to take them into the ground.
Mark added: “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.”
Small bags and handbags are permitted, provided they are no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm.
“There are no bag storage facilities available at the stadium, so spectators are advised to plan ahead if they intend travelling to Cardiff with a large bag.
Jessica Parkin, 33, from Ammanford, said: “We didn’t leave early. It wasn’t really on my mind.
“We left about 11.30am and caught the bus. We weren’t worried about any issues. There was a bit of traffic coming into Cardiff but nothing unusual.”
Steve Rogers and John Shelley, both 35, travelled to the match yesterday from Cheltenham.
“I was a little bit worried about it,” said Steve.
John said: “We had a conversation about it and we said we either turn up very late or very early and ended up somewhere in the middle.”
Nick Rawlinson, from Cardiff, said: “I wasn’t concerned at all. We are local so we know how long it will take us.”