The Home of English Rugby (Twickenham Rugby Stadium)

Member Name: GeordieNick

Product:	Twickenham Rugby Stadium
Date:	04/08/09 (119 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Large capacity, Nice complex, Rugby museum

Disadvantages: Seats seem a bit low and far back

Twickenham Stadium, usually known as just Twickenham, is where the England national team play their rugby matches. Is it the largest rugby union stadium in the United Kingdown by a fair distance and holds a maximum capacity of a massive, 82000, after being redeveloped recently. It is based in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames in London and is only behind Wembley Stadium in terms of the biggest UK stadiums. As well as hosting England matches and other selected Rugby matches, Twickenham has also hosted live music events including bands such as Iron Maiden, The Rolling Stones and the band I went there to see, Bon Jovi.

Getting to the ground was fairly easy in my opinion for a large venue although I must stress, I have never took the train to get there as there is a suitable bus route from where I live. You can get main line trains to Twickenham Station which would leave you a short walk from the station. When I went to see Bon Jovi and a Rugby Union match the crowds were fairly decent. There were a lot of people but I allways felt like I could keep moving and progressing at a good pace. It is slightly harder getting out the ground but you still keep progressing so it is not so bad. It is much easier compared to the larger Wembley Stadium.

Around the stadium is more of an outside complex with food and drink areas all around the stadium. If you're old enough you may spot someone carrying a backpack of beer ready to sell to you on the spot. The stadium has great facilities and has a very safe look about it from the inside. Once inside the stadium it feels as if the lower tier of the stadium, particularly at the front is very low as if the seats are sunbeds getting higher as the rows goes up rather than seats. There was a time recently when the south stand was knocked down recently which seemed very strange when attending at the time seeing three massive stands and one in development. Since February though that stand has been raised to complete the look of the stadium. The stadium carries a great atmosphere for rugby games with spectators being allowed to drink, which you can not do at a football match. You feel reasonably close to the pitch which is nice and feel like you can get involved in the action. When i went to see Bon Jovi, among many middle aged man, one of the rubgy goals was replaced with the stage with the rest of the floor space being used for the public with a bar put in place where the other goal would be.

Twickenham is the home of The World Museum of Rugby and covers world rugby and also holds various exhibitions. If you would like a tour they run four times in a day between Tuesday and Saturday and they run just twice on a Sunday.

Twickenham Stadium is a fantastic venue and one English Rugby fans should be proud to call their home.

Summary: A great venue for English rugby among other events.