Williams, speaking from the new Alcohol Free Zone which spans the entire North Stand second tier of the stadium, repeated warnings that an expected 62,000 crowd cannot be processed through turnstiles in the final hour before kick-off.
Enhanced security measures remain in place at the ground, prompting Williams to again open gates three hours before kick-off – rather than the previously regularly used 90 minutes – to ensure stewards have time to process supporters safely and securely.
“The early you arrive, the quicker you will get in,” advised Williams.
“We will not compromise on safety and our enhanced security measures are here to stay. This means that everyone who comes through our turnstiles is searched and the process can create queues which increase as kick-off approaches.
“Queues outside will not delay kick-off and search procedures will be maintained, so the best way to ensure you are in your seats in time is to get in early.”
Principality Stadium big screens will show an ‘as live’ version of Japan’s clash with New Zealand in Tokyo from the time gates open at 11.45am and concourses will be buzzing with the usual in-house entertainment, with the full gambit of the stadium’s hospitality available at food and beverage outlets.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips expects more than 2,500 supporters to take advantage of the new 4,200 capacity zone at Principality Stadium, where alcohol will not be allowed to be taken into seats.
An Alcohol Free Zone has been introduced for the Under Armour Series on a four-match trial basis after customer feedback during the 2017/2018 season suggested it would appeal to some supporters.
The trial will be used to assess the extent of the demand for a zone of this kind, as well as its practical application, and to determine whether the concept meets the expectations of those supporters who have been offering feedback and purchased tickets.
“We want Principality Stadium to offer the very best customer experience possible to all supporters and we know that this will mean different things to different people,” said Phillips.
“We are keen to gather as much information as possible from the trial and will continue to examine all of the date and listen to our supporters as we decide how this offering may evolve.
“There are 2,500 people who have invested in a ticket in the North Stand of Stadium to watch Wales take on Scotland for the ‘Doddie Weir Cup’, if that results in 2,500 satisfied customers we will know we are doing something right.
“But we are also acutely aware that we want everyone in the Stadium to be satisfied with their experience.
“As always we appeal to all fans to drink sensibly and enjoy the game and also to let our stewards know if there is anything we can do to improve their individual experience.
“Stewards are there to help and in a crowd of over 62,000 they will be doing their level best to look after everyone in the ground.
“To this end we are also appealing to supporters to help us by arriving as early as possible before kick-off so our stewards can process everyone safely and securely and everyone can enjoy the game right from the off.”
