A bumper crowd of 74,500 is expected to travel to the home of Welsh sport to watch Warren Gatland’s squad attempt their third championship victory on the bounce and fans are being advised to stagger their travel times and take advantage of all travel services available.
Millennium Stadium General Manager Gerry Toms said: “Just as the Wales squad are planning for the big game this weekend, I urge the fans to consider their travel options in advance to avoid unnecessary disruption on Saturday.
“While I am delighted to hear that Arriva Trains Wales will now be operating a full service, with additional services for the game, it is important that fans still consider the time of their travel as there will be a capacity crowd hitting the city centre on Saturday.
“With the help of a 5pm kick off, everyone should be able to get into town safely and in time for a superb game of international rugby. For anyone travelling on the roads my advice to big groups of fans, which includes all WRU clubs, would be to take advantage of coach parking facilities at Sophia Close.
“For those travelling in smaller numbers, park and ride facilities can be easily accessed from the M4 and bus services will be running as normal throughout the day.”
Inspector Tony Bishop, in charge of city centre policing at South Wales Police, added: “Along with the Millennium Stadium, we would urge anyone coming into Cardiff for the game on Saturday to plan in advance not only how they are getting here but also how they are getting home.”
Toms added: “There’s always a great atmosphere in and around the Millennium Stadium on match day with plenty of places to go ahead of kick off and I always advise fans to get in early.
“The WRU’s Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar on Westgate Street, and undoubtedly the closest place to sample the action, will be open all day for fans who want to relax and soak up the occasion before and after Wales take the field.”
Fans getting in early can head to the free-to-enter WRU’s Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar on Westgate Street from 10.00am for the all important match build-up including the essential all-day 6 Nations breakfast bap, BBC’s coverage of Italy v France and traditional Welsh entertainment from 2.00pm. The venue will also be open for fans without a ticket to watch Wales v Ireland and after the final whistle.
Fans should be aware when leaving the game that a queuing system will be in place at Cardiff Central station after the match and Queen Street station will be closed as usual after 18:30 p.m, according to Arriva Trains Wales. Full train times and fares information can be obtained by visiting www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk or by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 and at www.nationalrail.co.uk
