Cardiff ready for the big day

Cardiff is set to be hit by 200,000-odd rugby fans this Saturday as Wales limber up to claim their second Grand Slam in four years, with the city anticipating a £20m ($41m) bonanza.

Cardiff is set to be hit by 200,000-odd rugby fans this Saturday as Wales limber up to claim their second Grand Slam in four years, with the city anticipating a £20m ($41m) bonanza.

A big screen is being planned, although the location is not yet decided. The most likely place is in the city centre, which was named Henson Hill in 2005, the last time Wales had a home Grand Slam decider. 20,000 people flocked to the event, many climbing trees and buildings to get a view.

Tickets are changing hands for up to six times face value, and with the kick-off scheduled for 1700 GMT – later than usual – Cardiff police chief Josh Jones is planning a watertight operation.

“Cardiff is adept at dealing with major events, but a Grand Slam is special because of the sheer volume of people you get coming into the city – a conservative estimate is 200,000,” he said to the Western Mail.

“But rugby supporters are generally people who come to town to enjoy the occasion and not for trouble.

“What we normally find is that people will have drunk too much and boisterous behaviour can become disorderly behaviour later in the evening.

“But when you think of the number of people involved, the number of those transgressing is very small.

“With a five o'clock kick-off people will have been drinking for a number of hours. With fans wanting to watch the preceding fixture (England v Ireland) as well, there is also likely to be a late surge for the ground and I urge people to leave early to avoid a rush to the stadium gates.”

Bars are also bracing themselves, with most opening early to cash in and placing extra stock orders, as well as setting up extra temporary bar facilities outside and chain pubs drafting extra staff from other locations in the country, both for drinks service and for security.

The entertainment industry reported a 200 per cent increase on usual Saturday takings when Wales beat Ireland in 2005 to claim the spoils.

The entirety of Cathays park, which is not far from the stadium, is reserved for coaches, although extra public transport is not set to be provided.

The Welsh economy has been boosted by an anticipated £67.8m ($136.3m) from the team's success this year.