Lucy Wray, Saracens Ceo: ‘this Will Be A Unique Rugby Experience’

English Rugby Union giants Saracens will make the ambitious move to stage a Gallagher Premiership rugby match at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. The Showdown 2 in association with City Index will see Saracens host Bristol Bears, temporarily moving their home from the StoneX Stadium to N17 on Saturday 26^th March.

Over the last decade we have always played one marquee match a season at iconic venues such as Wembley and the London Stadium. 

We are always looking at ways to evolve, diversify revenue lines and bring the beautiful game of rugby to a wider audience. Being at one of the best stadiums in the world will be an amazing experience for everyone involved with the club.

While we love our home at StoneX Stadium, having an opportunity to bring a different memorable experiences to our incredible fans and introduce Saracens to a bigger audience is hugely important for the future growth of the club.  We can’t wait for that electric atmosphere on the 26th March.

There’s been a lot of cancellations over the last two years, what will it mean to get this fixture in the record books?

It was a little heart-breaking in March 2020 to see our match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium cancelled due to the pandemic as the team had worked so incredibly hard to get to that point with a sell-out crowd. It has been a huge effort from everyone to get this back on and it is going to be a massively proud moment for our club. There is, now more than ever, a considerable appetite for live sport and what I love about rugby are the values it teaches us all and how it is a genuine family day out. This will be a unique rugby experience… the first ever rugby match at Spurs!

How excited is the club and its players to be playing in the ‘new’ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

We can’t wait! The players have been talking about it for a long time, not least because we have a few Spurs fans in the squad! Even the Gunners among our squad can’t hide their excitement about playing in such an iconic setting.

For those who perhaps aren’t familiar with the venue, what can fans expect?

It really is a stadium like no other in terms of fan experience. There are over 65 food and drink outlets so you won’t be short of options! The design of the stadium means the fans are really on top of the pitch, so you will be incredibly close to the action. 

What are your hopes for this game, and future games at the stadium?

We want everyone to leave having enjoyed a shared memorable experience with their friends and family. If we have put a smile on people’s faces and inspired the next generation of rugby players and fans, then we will have done our job. From a business perspective, being able to grow and reach a new audience is fundamental. Our ambition is to convert a % of new fans to come and visit us at StoneX Stadium and become part of the ‘Sarries family’ for the long term. Of course, on the pitch, we are always fiercely competitive, and we do have big game players who will relish plying their trade on a stage that big.

Will there be any special activations to mark the occasion?

There will be so much going on throughout the day. We have entertainment in all of the fan zones, bars and concourses, and a brilliant dance performance from over 300 participants to bring the energy. The ball delivery will be a special moment for our charity partner Duchenne UK, and there is something extra special just before the match which we want to keep as a secret for all of those in the crowd.

Is there still an intention that the club will play overseas teams at Tottenham in the future?

We will continue to explore all opportunities that bring magical experiences to our fans, partners, staff and players. We played against South Africa at Wembley Stadium and it is a moment in time that many in the Sarries family still talk about.

Finally, do you have a message for anyone reading this who is potentially interested in attending the fixture?

If you are looking for a brilliant day out, in a safe environment, where you and your friends and family can take a moment out from some extremely challenging things that face our world today and just have FUN; then please come and give us a try. If you have never watched a club rugby match before then come and see world class international talent in the first ever rugby match to be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Make sure you do not miss the momentous occasion by booking tickets for The Showdown 2 in association with City Index at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium here.