SOLD-OUT SCOTLAND GAME, WITH EARLY KICK-OFF, ‘GREATEST CHALLENGE YET’

Rugby supporters heading to Principality Stadium for the NatWest 6 Nations opening round clash between Wales and Scotland on Saturday have been warned they risk missing kick-off if they do not heed warnings to ‘…get in early’ – with gates opening at 11.15am. New security measures have been in place at the Cardiff capital ground since the conclusion of last year’s tournament and the first rugby games played under strict search and safety procedures – in the autumn – produced some problems as supporters were implored to change their arrival habits. When Wales faced Australia on the first weekend in November some supporters missed kick-off as increased security slowed access for each individual into the ground. By the time New Zealand travelled to Cardiff for a capacity occasion a fortnight later Welsh rugby supporters had responded to Principality Stadium pleas in enough numbers to ensure no one missed a pass, kick or tackle, with all fans seated in time for the famous pre-game Haka from the visitors. But the Scottish game brings a new dimension to the issues experienced in the autumn – a different crowd may not be aware of the need to arrive early and, perhaps most significantly, the game kicks-off at 2.15pm and so represents the first sold-out early afternoon kick-off rugby international under the new restrictions. Gates now open at Principality Stadium at 11.15am, which is three hours before kick-off – giving double the lead in time to previous Six Nations matches – with event organisers urging supporters:

“The earlier you arrive, the quicker you’ll get in. Gates open at 11.5am… please get in early,” said Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams. “A classic Wales match will once again be shown as live on the big screens before kick-off to supplement the entertainment available to supporters around the concourses. “During the autumn series the draw of showing support to the team during their official warm-up was also mutually appreciated by the players and fans alike. “The sole intent of the enhanced checks is to maintain safety and security for fans attending the stadium, taking into account the current security climate and more specifically UK terror threat levels.”

But Williams also warns channelling 74,500 supporters through turnstiles in three hours, for an early afternoon kick-off, will be the greatest challenge yet. “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,” said Williams, who was joined by South Wales Police Inspector Phillip Griffiths at a safety and security briefing in the Principality Stadium’s central control room this afternoon. “We have worked things out to the finest detail, we know we can get everyone in safely and securely and ensure they don’t miss a minute of the game, but we need supporters to help us. “To make things run smoothly we’d like to process more than 30,000 fans in the first hour-and-a-half of gates opening. “It’s not something that our rugby supporters will be used to if they didn’t come to a game in the autumn, but the new security measures are here to stay and have been installed in everyone’s interests, so we are appealing to fans for their help.”

The stadium has been operating a strict search policy for all visitors since last Easter and it has successfully hosted a string of major events – from the UEFA Champions League Final, World Heavyweight Title boxing (Joshua v Takam), back-to-back Coldplay concerts, Justin Bieber, Robbie Williams and the British Speedway Grand Prix – with hundreds of thousands of fans passing through turnstiles. But, with rugby the staple diet at Principality Stadium, the first UA Series match against the Wallabies last November brought new challenges as fans arrived at the ground en masse within 45 minutes of the start – as they have been are used to doing for rugby matches in the past – meaning some missed kick-off. Williams, who has run Principality Stadium – which is owned and operated by the Welsh Rugby Union – since September 2013 is determined to ensure supporters next weekend learn quickly from their autumn experiences, as they did ahead of the later sold-out All Blacks visit.

“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 the anthems or even kick-off,” added Williams. “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. “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.”

Personal searches form only part of the comprehensive measures in place at the stadium, together with safety officers and South Wales Police, all entry points are continually monitored throughout the day. South Wales Police stress there is no specific threat to Cardiff.  Principality Stadium routinely works very closely with the Police and the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit to deliver appropriate security measures for all major events.

Wales vs Scotland travel advice for 3rd February 

Wales will be taking on Scotland in the Natwest 6 Nations at Principality Stadium on Saturday February 3rd. With the kick off at 2.15pm, there will be a full road closure around the stadium from 10.45am until 5.15pm. Enhanced security measures will be in place at Principality Stadium so all those that are coming to Cardiff to watch the game are strongly advised to leave plenty of time to get into the city and into the stadium. Rugby fans are strongly advised to leave large bags at home and pay attention to the prohibited items listed at  principalitystadium.wales  before they travel into the city. Detailed information from public transport providers is included in this media briefing.

Road closures

From early in the day, Scott Road and Park Street will be closed as a result of the need to prepare Gate 5 and protect queuing fans. The following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre road closure: Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street. Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street. Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhammon Embankment.) Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted.) Saunders Road from its junction with St Mary Street. Customhouse Street throughout its length (access to private car parks will be permitted). Penarth Road from its junction with Saunders Road to the entrance leading to the rear of the Central Train Station. The following roads will be closed in their entirety: Duke Street, Castle St, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road.

Additions: 

Civic Centre: Access to part of the Civic Centre will be controlled throughout the day, with access allowed only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading and access to private car parks. Roads affected include: King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road. From 3.45pm, Station Terrace will be closed. Cars will be able to exit the Capitol Shopping Centre car park via North Edward Street/Station terrace – northbound onto Newport Road/Dumphries place.

Please note:  If there are any safety concerns in connection with crowds queuing to go into the venue prior to gates opening, there may be a need to close Wood Street and Westgate Street earlier, along with lane restrictions adjacent to Gate 1 on Cowbridge Road East. If there are any safety concerns relating to the queuing system at Cardiff Central Train Station, then Wood Street, Westgate Street, Park Street, Havelock Street, St Mary Street, Penarth Road, Saunders Road and Customhouse Street will remain closed until safety concerns are remedied.

Trains Great Western Railway will be providing the following additional Services on 3rd February 

Two additional trains from and to Bristol Temple Meads One additional from and to London Paddington One additional from Swansea, and three to Swansea One additional from Port Talbot Parkway. Arriva Trains Wales is advising customers’ that trains in the Cardiff area will be busy all day.  Extra capacity will be added, however, if travelling into the City by train to attend the match, customers should take the earliest service possible. After the match, customers for local Cardiff and Valley Line services will use Cardiff Queen St Station – so trains for Penarth; Barry; Aberdare; Treherbert; Merthyr; Rhymney; Coryton and stations on the City Line. The usual queueing system will be in place at Cardiff Central for all other destinations.

Event Park & Ride

Event Park & Ride is available at Leckwith and can be accessed from junction 33 off the M4 and then follow signs to Leckwith Road. To pre-book Park & Ride visit – https://www.parkjockey.com/principality-stadium The drop off point is Tresillian Way North, at the back of the train station. The Park & Ride is 1.5 miles from the city centre which take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. If you pre-book, the cost is £8 or £10 payable on the day (cash only). If you pre-book you have to print your pre-booking confirmation and hand it to the member of staff. Staff will arrive at the car park at 8.30am and will open at 9.00am with the first bus leaving at 9.00am. The last bus will leave the pick up at the pick-up point at 6.30pm with the car park closing at 7.00pm.

Motorways and trunk roads

As with all major events, ticket holders are encouraged to plan their travel well ahead and make allowances for busy motorways and trunk roads. The M4 corridor and approaches to Cardiff are expected to be very busy.

Event Day Parking

Sophia Gardens (cars) (Approximately, 0.5 mile walk to the Principality Stadium, Gate 2). Sophia Gardens Event Day Parking Getting there: Exit junction 32 of M4 Cost: £15 payable on the day at the car park (cash only) Parking time: Car park opens at 8am and closes at 12 midnight. Please note: Sophia Gardens car park will be staffed until 5.30pm, all vehicles are left on site at the owner’s risk. Cardiff Council will not be held responsible for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal possessions. Any vehicles left in the car park after closing time will be fined. Civic Centre Event Day Parking (cars) Getting there: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signage to the civic centre. Cost: £12 pre-book online or £15 payable on the day at the car park (cash only). If you pre-book parking you will be required to print the pre-booking confirmation and hand it to staff when parking your vehicle. Parking time: The car park opens at 8am and either have to be removed or a pay and display ticket has to be put on the vehicle from 8am on Sunday February 4th. To pre-book your parking, click on to: https://www.parkjockey.com/principality-stadium (this is available to cars only). Can you cycle or walk? Those who live locally in Cardiff may want to travel by bicycle or walk. Research shows us that 52% of car trips made in the Welsh capital are less than 5km. This is a distance that can be comfortably cycled in 20 minutes. We also know that 28% of Cardiff residents who currently do not cycle would like to do so. When the roads are congested this makes cycling an even more attractive option as travel by bicycle would be quicker than a car during rush hours or during big events.

Disabled parking

Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens. Disabled parking is also available at various private car parks. Please check individual websites for availability.

Taxis

St Mary Street taxi rank (outside the House of Fraser) will close at 10.45am and will re-open from 5.15pm.

Bus

Local buses:   Buses will be diverted out of the central city bus stops. Buses displaced from stops within the closure will relocate to either Churchill Way for the east, Greyfriars Road for the north or Tudor Street for the west.  Please visit the relevant bus operator’s website for more information about your specific bus route.   National Express: National Express coaches will use Sophia Gardens as usual.