Just as the Wales squad have returned to the green, green grass of home after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, another top team has assembled at the stadium to receive the 7,412 soil pallets which provide the all-important platform for the hallowed turf at the home of Welsh sport.
A pack of 125 giant trucks are expected to arrive in Cardiff’s city centre this week before Millennium Stadium staff can tackle the 120m x 79m turf jigsaw and score the perfect pitch for the December clash between two of the greatest rugby nations.
And Head Groundsman Lee Evans reported for duties with gusto in the early hours of yesterday morning following the Michael Forever Tribute Concert and Wake Up for Wales which welcomed over 125,000 visitors to Europe’s largest indoor arena over three consecutive weekends.
“The stadium welcomed a phenomenal amount of passion for Welsh rugby to the arena for Wake Up for Wales (live rugby screenings) and there is no doubt that the Welsh fans will be looking to give the squad a special welcome when they face Australia at home,” said Lee.
“This prevailing excitement around Welsh rugby is a massive boost for me and my team as we work especially hard over the coming weeks to ensure that the pitch is ready for a thrilling and fast-paced game of rugby in December.
“While the turf arriving this week has been classified as excellent by experts, we must continue to work hard to maintain that condition. Pitch management comes with round-the-clock responsibilities and when the weather is constantly changing we have to rely on various systems and practises such as additional lighting on the pitch and our fully-retractable roof to ensure the highest standards of pitch quality will remain all season.”
All Welsh rugby fans, including over 78,000 rugby fans who watched Wales at the Millennium Stadium for free when the iconic venue opened its doors to the public for Wales’ Rugby World Cup semi-final and Bronze Medal fixtures, will be thrilled with the news that limited tickets are still available for Wales versus Australia.
Tickets can be purchased from the WRU website, by calling the ticket hotlines 08442 777 888 or 02920 230130 and at the WRU Store, 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff. Tickets are also available at a range of local Tesco stores priced at £50.
