UK Venues Set For Rwc Makeover
With one month to go to the start of Rugby World Cup 2015, tournament organisers England Rugby 2015 has revealed some of its plans for the six week competition.
The tournament, which will see 48 matches played in 12 match venues across England and Millennium Stadium is on track to be the biggest Rugby World Cup to date with a total of 2.45 million tickets and over 400,000 international visitors expected.
With 2.2 million sales to date, over 90% of tickets have now been sold, although limited tickets are still currently available according to organisers.
As part of the nationwide makeover, the Coca-Cola London Eye will have its capsules wrapped in the 20 competing nation’s flags for the duration of Rugby World Cup 2015. In addition, the interior of the capsules will showcase images from rugby fans across the world, captured through the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour and through the #CelebratingRugby digital campaign.
As well as activity in the capital, all host cities are celebrating the tournament in different ways. Newcastle upon Tyne is installing the logo for Rugby World Cup 2015 on the Tyne Bridge and last week in Leicester a Rugby World Cup 2015 ball was sent into space at the National Space Centre.
All 13 match venues will be dressed in the official tournament look and feel (pictured above). The stadium dressing programme includes the stadium exterior, bars and concourses as well as the inner bowl.
In addition to the 15 official Fanzones, spectator plazas will also be introduced in or near to venues in Leeds (Centenary Pavilion), Birmingham (The Academy), Milton Keynes (Arena MK), Manchester City Stadium (City Square) and Twickenham Stadium.
Also announced today, is the Sport Presentation Programme for Rugby World Cup 2015 which aims to create a unique Rugby World Cup experience that engages spectators and educates new rugby fans.
Sport presentation at every match venue will include a presenter and Rugby pundit delivering a pitchside pre-match, half time and full time show, alongside music, graphic and VT production, a staged team entrance including specially commissioned music and anthems delivered in venue by choirs, plus a new in-ear commentary service.
England Rugby 2015 managing director, Stephen Brown, said: “With one month to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 starts there is still time for fans to be part of it. Remaining tickets are on sale now with some great matches available. We hope that fans will enjoy the matchday experience on offer at all 13 venues which keeps rugby at heart and is a true celebration of the tournament.
“There is an opportunity for people right across the country to join in and be part of this very special six weeks of rugby and we are delighted to see excitement building in each city on the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. All our planning is on track and our recent testing opportunities continue to provide us with invaluable learnings and insight. We look forward to delivering what we hope will be a fantastic tournament in a month’s time.”
World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper added: “England 2015 has the teams and fans at heart and we are excited about the innovations that are being delivered to enhance their Rugby World Cup experience. The tournament will feature the most advanced player welfare and medical standards ever seen at a rugby event with the use of video review technology assisting medics in identifying and assessing injuries, while World Rugby has invested £50m in assisting Tier 2 teams with high performance, technical and competition support to ensure that they are in the best-possible shape to perform to their capability on rugby’s biggest stage.
“With one month to go, England 2015 is set to be a truly special, remarkable and record-breaking celebration of rugby and the exceptional ticket sales to date reflect the enormous public desire to be a part of the sporting highlight of the year. I have no doubt that it will reach and inspire new audiences across more nations, cities and communities in a way no previous Rugby World Cup has done.”
