Tickets for the 2015 incarnation of Judgement Day are heading through the Millennium Stadium’s famous roof, with a record attendance expected for the regional double-header on Saturday 25th April.
Now in its third year, the annual Guinness Pro12 rugby fest at Wales’ national ground has already broken through the 35,000 mark in ticket sales terms, beating last year’s 31,000 attendance figure and closing in fast on the 36,000 who attended in year one.
With more than two weeks to go until match-day both the lower and middle tiers at the Millennium amphitheatre have practically sold-out, introducing the possibility that the ground could sell to its rafters with upper tier tickets now on the market for the first time, including an allocation on sale at the Liberty Stadium now.
The new upper tier tickets offer reserved seating within the £10 price, so you can book your seat in the stand on a first come first served basis.
Lower and middle tier tickets have been sold as unreserved, meaning fans choose their preferred seats in the East or West sections on arrival, to reflect the on field rivalry.
Demand for Judgement Day III means it is the first of the regional double-derby days to open the upper tier seating to date and, with the stadium filling from ground level, that means latecomers to the party will see themselves heading towards the roof.
“We strongly encourage fans to buy their tickets in advance and not wait to join the expected high number of people who will walk up on the day to watch their teams,” said Millennium Stadium manager Mark Williams.
“The traditional thing for fans to do for a Guinness Pro12 match is probably to wait until matchday and turn up at the ground to buy tickets and take their seats.
“We will have the capacity at the Millennium Stadium to cater for a large walk up crowd, but we expect this match to be one of the biggest in those terms, so anyone who can get their tickets bought early is going to have an advantage both when it comes to getting in on time and also in getting the seat they want.”
Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys at the national ground on Saturday 25th April at 2.30pm - before the Newport Gwent Dragons face the Scarlets at 4.45pm in the GUINNESS PRO12 double header.
Tickets are available at a new price for 2015 of just £10 from WRU.wales/tickets, the WRU ticket office on Westgate Street, each of the four regions (see below for full details), at local Tesco stores or by calling ticketmaster on 0844 847 1881.
“The £10 tickets have proved to be particularly attractive for fans and we are on target for a record attendance figure for Judgement Day III,” added Williams.
“This event has the potential to grow and grow with new and existing regional supporters getting behind the concept and the players and coaches all talking in loud terms about its appeal.
“There really is a superb day out in prospect for those fans who have already bought into it and the potential for more fans to come and join the party is there.
“Our ticket office will be working right up to kick-off to ensure latecomers are not disappointed but the message from us is very much buy now and book your seat for a great day at the Millennium Stadium and a true celebration of the Welsh regional game.”
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales said:
“It’s positive and motivating for all those who support our four pro rugby teams in Wales that this year’s double Welsh derby looks set to achieve a record attendance.
“Judgement Day gives Welsh rugby supporters a unique opportunity to see all four professional teams and 92 of the best players in Wales all competing on the same day - in one venue in the capital city.
“We know what regional derbies mean to supporters, sponsors and partners in our Regions and we saw that just a week ago at a thrilling and packed European quarter-final at Rodney Parade.
“To see an increased following and excitement for Judgement Day this year is reason to be optimistic as we build and grow this key event in our regional rugby calendar for our loyal supporters, sponsors and Guinness PRO12.”
FULL TICKET INFO:
Tickets for Judgement Day III, costing £10 each (booking fees may apply), can be purchased from:
WRU Ticket Office: 02920 822432 (www.wru.wales/tickets)
Cardiff Blues Ticket Office : 029 2030 2030 (www.cardiffblues.com/tickets)
Scarlets Ticket Office : 0871 871 8088 (www.scarlets.co.uk)
Newport Gwent Dragons : 01633 674990 (www.newportgwentdragons.com)
Ospreys : 0844 815 6665 (www.ospreysrugby.com)
or by calling ticketmaster on 0844 847 1881 (premium rates apply)
or by visiting your local Tesco store.