Newcastle’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Fanzone confirmed at Science Central
Science Central, one of the biggest urban regeneration projects of its kind in the UK, will be the proud location for Newcastle’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Fanzone later this year, operated by Newcastle Rugby Ltd and Ramside Events.
As one of the Host Cities for the tournament, Newcastle will host three matches this October.
During the Tournament the Fanzone will be operational just a stone’s throw from St James’ Park on the newly revamped Science Central site. An action-packed timetable of entertainment is promised, along with a big screen to watch all of the matches as well as opportunities to take part in rugby themed events.
As organisers of the Fanzone at Science Central, Newcastle Rugby Ltd have promised a great rugby experience as well as a diverse choice of entertainment.
Mick Hogan, Managing Director said: “Newcastle’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Fanzone will be a spectacular space with a fantastic atmosphere so everyone will be able to get involved and experience a global tournament.
“During the dates the Fanzone is open, we will be showing matches on a big screen. There will be a daily programme of community events, with more entertainment and content announced over the coming months.”
Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “We are looking forward to giving a warm Geordie welcome to rugby fans from around the world in October. Bringing Rugby World Cup 2015 to Newcastle will showcase the city on a global stage and create a great buzz for local people and local businesses. Our Fanzone will be an exciting place for fans to gather to enjoy all the pre-match fun and to enjoy games from elsewhere in the Tournament and the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour will give the community access to Rugby’s greatest prize.
“The Science Central site is one of the biggest city centre development opportunities in Europe and will eventually be the home for cutting edge science businesses, creating jobs and being a home to world leading scientific research. But for a short while at least it will be the centre for an awe inspiring few weeks of top international sport – providing a great base for fans and a wonderful opportunity for the local community to get a feel for being part of the most important event in world rugby.”
The Fanzone at Science Central will be free to enter and is open to all, whether rugby fan or not, whether local or visiting from afar. There will be entertainment, catering and chances for all to get involved.
Speaking of the Fanzones that will be found in host cities across the country Debbie Jevans, Chief Executive Officer of England Rugby 2015, said: “With less than six months to go we are delighted to announce the locations of the Official Fanzones. The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 is on and fans can now really begin to plan their Tournament experience, be it through watching the matches, through Fanzones, the Festival of Rugby and the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.
“We are pleased to deliver another Tournament first with an Official Fanzone in every Host City as well as additional Fanzones in Rugby – the birthplace of the game – and London’s Trafalgar Square. We have worked with all our Host Cities, Local Authorities and the Mayor of London to identify a range of fantastic locations including city centres, parks, match venues and waterfronts to give fans, residents and visitors a uniquely regional experience and a focal point for celebrating the Tournament and the wider game of rugby. Capacities will range from 2,000 to over 10,000 and we would like to thank all of our Host Cities, Local Authorities and the Mayor of London for their fantastic support and we look forward to welcoming upwards of 1 million people to the Official Fanzones.”
Earlier today England 2015 also announced details of A Rugby World Cup Trophy tour, which will begin on 10 June and see the Webb Ellis Trophy journey around the UK and Ireland as it makes its way to Twickenham for the opening match of the tournament.
Debbie Jevans explained: “The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour will be the perfect opportunity to excite and engage fans across the UK and Ireland and make 2015 feel like the year of the rugby nation. Delivering a continuous 100 day tour means we can give as many fans as possible the opportunity to see the Webb Ellis Cup and tell us their rugby story as they count down to their own Tournament experience. We have been delighted with the success of the international Trophy Tour, engaging with thousands of people across the globe, and hope to replicate that success when the Trophy Tour goes to Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England.”
The Science Central site is a long-term partnership between Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University, as part of the Newcastle Science City initiative. Science Central was officially opened on 25 February 2015.
