Rugby World Cup Touches Down In Newcastle As Fanzone Opens
With just over a week until the Rugby World Cup touches down in Newcastle, local people and visiting fans are being invited to be part of the tournament at the Official Rugby World Cup Fanzone run by Newcastle Falcons in partnership with Ramside Events.
Located just a just a stone’s throw from St James’ Park on Science Central, the Fanzone has an action-packed timetable of entertainment, along with a big screen to watch all the matches. The programme of events will include lots of fun rugby-related activities for children and families, including a 3G rugby pitch with surrounding stands for touch rugby games hosted by the Falcons Community Foundation.
The Fanzone will open its doors for a preview event on Saturday 26th September, when all three matches being played across the UK can be viewed on the big screen, with food and refreshments available from 12 noon to 11.30pm.
Accommodating up to 10,000 people the Fanzone will then be in full swing from 2nd to 11th October– and what’s more it’s free! It is the largest venue in the city showing the games on a giant screen, and will boast live entertainment including street theatre performers, a fun fair as well as a 4,000 capacity marquee providing indoor facilities for fans.
Mick Hogan, Managing Director of Newcastle Falcons said: “The Fanzone at Science Central will be a fantastic meeting place for people and will allow everyone to feel part of the Tournament. Whether people are new to rugby or not, have tickets to St James’ Park or whether they are local or from the other side of the world it, will be a great meeting place with lots happening.
“The mini stadium we have built with full artificial pitch will allow people to come along and actually participate in fun rugby games. One of the stated aims of the organisers was to put ‘Rugby at the Heart’ of the planning, and with this mini stadium we have certainly done that right in the middle of the city at the Fanzone!”
Cllr Joyce McCarty, Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “The Fanzone is a fantastic way to bring the spirit of the Rugby World Cup alive in Newcastle, making one of the greatest sporting events in the world accessible to everyone.
“The location couldn’t be better being just minutes from St James’ Park, and a great meeting place for those going to the games. It’s a free venue and open to all, and we’d encourage those who haven’t got tickets for the matches to come down to the Fanzone to watch the games on the big screen and enjoy the atmosphere. It will give anyone who can come along the opportunity to be part of the rugby festival.”
For further information, visit the Rugby World Cup in Newcastle [website][1].
[1]: http://www.newcastlegateshead.net/rwc/home
