Welcome to the first of our dedicated newsletters which will provide the latest information and progress at the new stadium.
Since our earlier communication during the summer months, we have been delighted and encouraged by the positive comments received from many supporters from throughout the region.
The important decision to move to a new ground will of course raise inevitable questions and concerns. The aim of this, and future newsletters, will be to address relevant queries and provide more specific information to allay any lingering concerns.
We very much hope we can look forward to your on-going support in what promises to be an exciting new era in the life of the Cardiff Blues.
Ymlaen y Gleision.
Robert Norster
Chief Executive
New Stadium News
Latest development news
Our partnership with Cardiff City Football Club has grown from strength to strength over the past months, with management teams meeting on a weekly basis to examine and discuss the vital issues relating to the stadium. The relationship has also been assisted by our shared new training pavilion at the Vale complex with playing and coaching staff from both codes already first-class neighbours.
The Stadium itself is progressing well and is on target to complete exterior works in May 2009. Internally approximately 30% of the seats have been fixed in place, and the building is practically enclosed with the lower walls to be completed within the month. The internal structure is also on schedule with the majority of the blockwork walls complete. In addition, external doors have been fitted and the turnstiles to the East and South Stands have been installed.
The pitch works will commence in January 2009, with the seeding of the pitch taking place at the end of March 2009. The pitch will be grown using a Deso Grassmaster System, technology brought in from Holland to aid growth. This style of pitch installation, which incorporates a synthetic weave allowing the natural grass to grow stronger, has been the key to many successful code sharing venues, including the Liberty Stadium, KC Stadium Hull, Madejski Stadium and the Emirates Stadium.
Bars and food outlets
The bar and food outlets around the ground will be greatly improved to that currently enjoyed, with easy access and speedy service. The extensive concourse areas are presently being designed in such a way to create focal points to enable supporters to meet friends and socialise in the great traditions associated with the game of rugby. The stadium designers are anxious to create a far more social feel to attending matches at the new stadium rather than purely drinking or eating outlets.
Family Stand and facilities
Families and young supporters will continue to be encouraged to support the Blues and will be warmly welcomed at the new stadium. The all-seater stadium offers a safe and secure environment for our young fans - a dedicated area, priced accordingly, will be reserved in the ground with easy access to refreshments and baby-changing facilities.
Clubhouse
Until any decisions are taken with regard to the existing ground, the Clubhouse at the Arms Park will remain open and available for members. Whilst detailed opening times are yet to be finalised with the Athletic Club, the popular days, e.g. weekends, match days and international days will of course be included. There are no current plans for a dedicated clubhouse for either code at the new stadium, however there will be dedicated areas for Cardiff Blues fans to meet, drink and eat in a social environment.
Premier Club
There are 2,250 seats within the Premier Club, offering prime seating, private bars and restaurants. Whilst these are predominantly aimed at the business community there are a number of price categories, starting at £49.00 per month (plus VAT), which make it accessible and affordable. For more information contact the Sales & Marketing team on 029 2030 2060.
Retail & Merchandise
A jointly branded retail shop will be centrally located with easy access from the main entrance points. The superstore will be open 6 days a week with extended hours to accommodate match days and seasonal demands.
Cardiff Blues Membership Packages
Existing season ticket holders will be given priority on seats at the new stadium, based on current category and position. All membership packages are currently under consideration and review. We will be circulating information regarding prices and category benefits when we release season ticket information early in the New Year.
In response to requests from our existing terrace season ticket holders, we are investigating a 'roving' seat season ticket, which will allow friends to sit next to each other in certain sections of the ground. Provided that such a scheme is feasible, details will be published on release of the new season ticket packages.
At this stage, we do not anticipate a significant increase in pricing in season tickets at the new stadium and our pricing will be in line with other seated stadium.
Transport to and from the new stadium
The new stadium is a short distance from the current location and easily accessible via road, bus or train links from both the city centre and the wider region.
By car: The new stadium is extremely accessible by car from all areas of the region. In contrast to the current facilities at the Arms Park, there will be up to 500 car parking spaces available to supporters for match day parking.
By train: There are two train stations located in the vicinity of the new stadium, Ninian Park and Grangetown. Both are served by excellent, regular rail links from the city centre, North Cardiff and the Valleys.
By Bus: There is a regular service every 12 minutes from Cardiff Central bus station to the Leckwith Stadium. We are also seeking talks with Cardiff Bus to explore the possibility of running a dedicated shuttle bus from the city centre to Leckwith on match days.
By taxi: A taxi from Cardiff Central station to Leckwith Stadium costs circa £4.
Any questions or stadium related queries should be addressed to Abigail Gibbins, Customer Service Manager, email [email protected] or by writing to Abigail at Cardiff Blues, Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1JA.