Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQ) section is to try to provide you with information which may not be readily available elsewhere on this site. If you have a specific query which isn’t addressed here, then by all means Contact Us.
Q. Why is Glamorgan Cricket’s ground now referred to as the SWALEC Stadium?
A. Glamorgan Cricket has recently attracted one of the largest sponsorship deals in Welsh sport and is now working in partnership with the utility provider SWALEC. Part of the agreement means that we will now be known as Glamorgan Cricket at the SWALEC Stadium.
Q. Will the SWALEC Stadium be ready in time for the start of the 2008 season?
A. Yes! The SWALEC Stadium has been built to time and budget and we think you’ll be pretty pleased with the results. Our first match will be played under floodlights in the Friends Provident Trophy on 9th May against Gloucestershire, the first opportunity for you to see the SWALEC Stadium in its full glory.
Q. How do I get to the SWALEC Stadium?
A. Cardiff is now a well established capital city and as a result, has an excellent public transport infrastructure.
Cardiff Central Train Station is approximately one mile from the ground (National Rail Enquiries: 0845 748 4950) as is the Central Bus Station (029 2039 6521). Look out for bus numbers 62c and 65c which will drop you off on Cathedral Road. On Foot it should take you no more than 15 minutes from either terminus. For Satellite Navigation purposes, our exclusive post code is : CF11 9XR.
SWALEC Stadium directions (.pdf download)
Q. What changes can I expect to see at the SWALEC Stadium?
A. Where to start! The capacity of the SWALEC Stadium is now 16000. Then there is the stunning new Really Welsh Pavilion, on the site of the old car park which will accommodate the players and officials, the Business Club (in the Morgan Cole Lounge), the Pavilion Members, and Box Holders. There’s also the impressive new Grandstand on the opposite side of the ground which will provide a birds-eye view of the pitch next to the Spar Stand which has been set aside for families.
The Club shop has moved to the Wooller Gate entrance and is now under the management of MGM Sport. The space previously occupied by the Shop (adjacent to the NCC reception) will, for the 2008 season, become a food and drink outlet for the exclusive use of Glamorgan Members.
Overlooking the refurbished Cathedral Stand is our imposing new Media Centre, sponsored by Protectagroup.
Some areas remain the same – such as the Riverside Stand and the Castle Stand – although they’ve been given a bit of a face-lift. The Club offices and existing hospitality suites haven’t changed, but the seating area immediately in front of the existing club offices (previously known as the Premier Stand) is now for the exclusive use of Glamorgan Members.
Finally, the Club has been able to attract a sizeable grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to fit-out a state-of-the-art cricket museum. Housed within the Really Welsh Pavilion, we hope to be opening our doors to the general public early in 2009.
Q. Will I be able to park inside the SWALEC Stadium?
A. The Really Welsh Pavilion has been erected on the area which we were previously able to offer for public car parking. The area immediately in front of the Really Welsh Pavilion has also been landscaped. This means that the limited car parking spaces available to us will be reserved for players and officials – and authorised permit holders only (which in the main will be Business Club members and Box holders).
So in summary, there will be no on-site car parking facilities for spectators or members on match days.
Whilst we appreciate that the vast majority of sporting stadiums don’t provide on-site car parking, we still feel that we have an obligation to help where we can. To this end, we’ve negotiated special season ticket rates with the local council in respect of the surface Pay & Display car park adjacent to the Welsh Institute of Sport. We hope to confirm full details by mid-April. As for the NatWest One-Day International match on 3rd September (England v South Africa) we’ve arranged a pre-bookable Park & Ride facility and will forward details to all ticket holders in July.
Q. Who will be able to access the Really Welsh Pavilion?
A. The Really Welsh Pavilion is for Business Club Members, Pavilion Members, Box Holders, Players and Officials.
However, we appreciate that members who don’t fall into any of the above categories will be naturally curious to see inside – which is why we’ve organised official tours. On match days, the Really Welsh Pavilion stewards will ensure that access is limited only to those entitled to be inside the building.
Q. If I can’t make use of the Really Welsh Pavilion, where can I go?
A. Don’t worry; you’ll have plenty of options (see above). However, for those matches where we don’t expect to sell-out, not all seating areas will be open. For instance, it’s unlikely that the Grandstand will be open other than for T20 and ODI matches – and that the concessionaries nearby will also, for practical reasons, be closed.
Q. As a disabled supporter, what facilities can I expect to find at the SWALEC Stadium?
A. The re-development of the ground means that we’ve been able to incorporate a range of facilities which will assist disabled supporters. We’ve joined the National Association of Disabled Supporters and taken on board their comments and advice. As a result, we’ll be able to offer the following :
- Disabled toilets complete with RADAR locks (disabled spectators will need to ensure that they have their own universal keys)
- Disabled seating, including a choice of viewing areas, which can also accommodate wheelchairs. Please ensure that you advise us in advance should you require assistance in this respect
- Limited on-site disabled car parking (.pdf download)
- The First XI Fixtures available on request in Braille and on audio disk
- A hearing loop in the NCC reception
- Stewards on hand to assist as needed
Q. What do I need to know before I attend a match at the SWALEC Stadium ?
A. Our main concern is to ensure that every spectator is able to enjoy watching cricket in a safe and comfortable environment. Consequently, spectators should be aware of the following new rules.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in any areas of the ground other than those specifically set aside for this purpose. There will be four designated smoking areas
- Unlike many of the other county grounds, we have allowed Dogs into the stadium on Championship match days (access for one-day games has been prohibited for some time now). However, the re-developed ground no longer lends itself to this practice. In the circumstances, only ‘working dogs’ (i.e. those who assist disabled spectators) will be admitted
- From the 2008 season it will not be possible for any member or spectator to bring Alcohol into the SWALEC Stadium. Please also note that our catering staff will limit sales to 4 alcoholic drinks per person in any one transaction
- We’re often asked about our policy regarding Mobile Telephones. Whilst they are not banned, we would strongly encourage individuals – out of courtesy to their fellow spectators and the players – to switch off their phones during the hours of play. Anyone considered to be causing a nuisance in this manner may be approached by one of our stewards. Similarly, musical instruments, personal radios used without headphones and generally any other items which could be construed to be disturbing the peace of a fellow spectator will be confiscated
- In order to comply with Health & Safety Regulations, spectators will not be able to bring their own Seats into the ground for any home fixtures in 2008
Q. Can I purchase match tickets in advance – or do I simply turn up on the day?
A. From 1st May you’ll be able to purchase match tickets for all 2008 one-day matches on-line at our website. Buying on-line in advance can often prove more cost effective and will ease your access into the ground on match days. Tickets which aren’t sold in advance will be available to purchase from our ticket office (adjacent to the Wooller Gates) two hours prior to the start of play.
We’ll also accept sales over the telephone.
If you have arranged to have your match ticket collected, you’ll be advised of the collection point. Tickets reserved in this way must be paid for in advance and collected one hour prior to the start of play. Buying in good time and on-line will ensure that we have ample time to send you your ticket – and avoid the need for you to queue to collect your ticket.
Q. Are tickets which are purchased in advance allocated to certain seats?
A. As we expect to sell-out all the T20 matches at the SWALEC Stadium, each ticket will correspond to a specific seat. Our new ticketing system will allow you to choose your preferred stand when booking on-line. The same will apply to our NatWest One-Day International fixture to be played on 3rd September.
Q. What time does the SWALEC Stadium open to the public?
A.Public gate opening times for Glamorgan’s 2008 home matches are as follows:
- Pro40 – Gates open 1.5 hours in advance of match start time
- LVCC – Gates open 1 hour in advance of match start time
To comply with Health & Safety Regulations, access prior to this time cannot be allowed.
Q. What if I lose my match ticket?
A. Please ensure that you keep you match tickets safe. Duplicates cannot be issued in any circumstances.
Q. What if it rains, can I claim a refund?
A. If the prospect of an abandoned match is putting you off buying your ticket in advance – then you need to be aware of our ‘Rain Check’ scheme. We don’t expect you to part with your money and simply take your chances. All we ask is that you write to us, enclosing your match ticket. We can’t refund on the day of the match itself – and we can’t refund if your plans change or you simply decide to leave early – the fixture has to be officially called off by the match officials. The clubs domestic match refund scheme is as follows:
- Twenty20 – Full refund if less than 10 overs are played
- Pro40 – Full refund if less than 15 overs are played
- Friends Provident Trophy – Full refund if less than 20 overs are played
- LV County Championship – Full refund if there is no play at all
Members / Season Ticket holders are not entitled to claim refunds.
Q. How can I find out the Prospects of Play at the SWALEC Stadium?
A. You would be well advised to keep checking our official website. It is also in the process of being enhanced and will contain weather forecasts and up-to-date information about the state-of-play at the SWALEC Stadium on match days. Please remember that on these days the Club telephones can get extremely busy, and logging on to the website will ensure that you are not kept waiting. Any decisions regarding delayed or amended start times lie with the match Umpires, who invariably don’t undertake their initial inspections of the pitch until at least two hours prior to the start of play. In general, if we’re unlikely to start on time, we won’t be able to convey that information to you until we hear from the Umpires, so please bear these timings in mind if you do intend to call us.
Q. I am a Glamorgan Member but have yet to receive my 2008 membership card.
A. We’re currently in the process of installing a new Membership & Ticketing System. Membership cards will be sent out prior to our first game at the SWALEC Stadium on 9th May.
Q. I want to become a Glamorgan Member but can’t find any details?
A. There are various levels of membership still available for the 2008 season, details of which can be found online at www.glamorgancricket.com or by calling the club directly.
As an alternative, we’re able to offer Season Tickets.
Q. Is the NatWest One-Day International, England v South Africa, sold out?
A. Nearly. Tickets can still be purchased on-line, but hurry, with the domestic season about to start, sales have been particularly brisk.
Our hospitality packages have proved to be highly attractive and we’re currently looking at how we might be able to extend our existing facilities in order to satisfy demand. If you would like more information, please contact us on 029 2040 9380.
Match tickets will be sent out with a fully comprehensive information leaflet detailing the terms and conditions of sale and other arrangements which may be of interest to you – including car parking.
Q. What about the Ashes in 2009, when can I buy my tickets or reserve hospitality?
A. The date of the nPower Ashes Test Match to be held at the SWALEC Stadium will be known in mid-April 2008. We will also learn, at that time, when it will be possible for us to put tickets for that match on sale. However, there are a number of ways by which it is possible to ensure a ticket for the nPower Ashes Test Match (and all other matches played at the SWALEC Stadium); these include the Gold Club and long term tickets (5 or 10 years). Our sales suite is open Monday to Friday and on match days. Our sales staff will be delighted to help you decide which is the best scheme for you.
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