Due to overwhelming demand for free tickets to watch Sam Warburton’s Welsh warriors strive for a place in next week’s Rugby World Cup final, the WRU have made contingency plans to increase the capacity and satisfy the growing demand.
The Millennium Stadium will now open to the public at 7.30am on Saturday and, with all stadium floor tickets now snapped up via the WRU website and direct from the Gate 3, the organisers have released seating in the middle and upper tier to make a further 20,000 spaces available.
All tickets are free and are available at Gate 3 Millennium Stadium until 7pm today and 9am until 7pm tomorrow. Millennium Stadium General Manger Gerry Toms is expecting a massive turn-out and is urging fans to wear red to support the boys.
“The support from the Welsh public has been stunning and due to such huge demand for tickets I’m thrilled to announce that the stadium will be opening its doors at the earlier time of 7.30am on Saturday and that there is now a further 20,000 tickets available for seating in the middle and upper tiers in our East stand.
“The interest in this event is truly indicative of the support out there for Wales this weekend and I must also mention the unreserved support we’ve received from Cardiff Council and their affiliated agencies. I hope that everyone in Wales pulls on their red jersey for what will be a spectacular day of rugby on Saturday and look forward to welcoming the fans to the home of Welsh sport.”
For tickets to the seating areas remaining, fans can still claim up to six tickets each when turning up in person at Gate 3 of the Millennium Stadium, while stocks last. The WRU e-ticket offer has now sold out.
Cardiff University student David Sullivan was among the first to pick up a ticket at the stadium this morning. He said: “I am so excited about watching Wales in the semi-final and I think it is amazing that the WRU are doing this for free. I instantly jumped on the internet for more information when I heard the news yesterday and it’s great to have six tickets to the Millennium Stadium in my hands today. I am a rugby fanatic and I know we can beat the French this weekend.”
Peter Williams from Marshfield also got hold of the hottest tickets in town. He said: “I just had to come down to the Millennium Stadium this morning and get my hands on six free tickets. Saturday is going to be a very special occasion, all down to the WRU, and this has sparked my interest in Welsh rugby like never before.”
Another life-long Welsh rugby fan, John Alderman, added: “This is a great incentive for rugby fans to watch the match together. I’ll be coming along with my wife and our friends and we are really looking forward to it.”
The Stadium will open at 7.30am on Saturday and alcohol will be served from 9am. Fans can access park and ride facilities at County Hall in Cardiff Bay from 7am and parking will be charged at the standard day rate of £3.
