All roads in Cardiff city centre will be closed on Easter Saturday for a major rugby event that is set to take place at the Principality Stadium. The event, known as Judgement Day, is a highly anticipated double-header featuring matches between Ospreys and Cardiff, as well as Dragons and Scarlets. The event, which is the longest running professional club event in Wales, will kick off at 3pm and is expected to draw rugby enthusiasts from across the region.
To accommodate the influx of spectators attending the event, a partial city centre road closure will be in effect from 12pm until 9pm. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic for all ticket holders accessing the stadium. Therefore, those planning to attend the matches are advised to plan their journey in advance and arrive early to avoid any delays.
Visitors are reminded to adhere to the prohibited items list available on the Principality Stadium’s website, especially regarding the bag policy which restricts the entry of large bags into the venue. It is essential for attendees to familiarise themselves with these regulations to facilitate a hassle-free entry into the city and the stadium.
The road closures will impact several key areas in the city centre, including Tudor Street, Wood Street, Despenser Gardens, St Marys Street, and many more. While Castle Street and Kingsway will remain accessible to traffic, a portion of Kingsway between Boulevard de Nantes and Greyfriars Road will be closed to facilitate bus movements. Additionally, controlled access to the Civic Centre will be in place throughout the day for event parking and designated purposes.
For those looking to utilise park & ride facilities, the designated site will be at the former Toys R Us location off International Drive in the Sports Village, Cardiff Bay. The park & ride service will begin operations at 8.45am, with the last bus departing from the city centre at 9pm. Visitors can expect to pay £15 in cash for this convenient service.
Furthermore, event day parking options include the Civic Centre and Sophia Gardens, offering parking spaces for cars and coaches at varying rates. Access to these facilities is strategically located for ease of travel to the Principality Stadium, with additional payment options, including card payments, now available for added convenience.
In response to the road closures, local bus services will be diverted accordingly, and National Express coaches will utilise Sophia Gardens as usual. Cyclists are encouraged to utilise the designated cycleways within the closure area, ensuring safety and caution due to the anticipated high attendance at the rugby event.
Moreover, city centre car parks such as North Road car park, St David’s Shopping Centre, and NCP facilities will remain operational for visitors. For disabled parking, Sophia Gardens is recommended, with additional options available at various private car parks in the vicinity. Additionally, taxi services will be rerouted during the road closures, with the St Mary Street taxi rank closing temporarily.
As preparations for Judgement Day in Cardiff intensify, attendees and residents are encouraged to stay informed about the road closures and alternative transportation options to mitigate any inconveniences on the day of the event. With careful planning and cooperation, the rugby extravaganza promises an exciting and memorable experience for rugby fans and visitors alike.