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| Millennium Stadium open for Wales-France World Cup semi | Millennium Stadium open for Wales-France World Cup semi |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| The Millennium Stadium will open its doors on Saturday to allow thousands of supporters the chance to watch Wales' World Cup semi-final on big screens. | The Millennium Stadium will open its doors on Saturday to allow thousands of supporters the chance to watch Wales' World Cup semi-final on big screens. |
| Fans will be able to get in free to watch the match, which kicks off in Auckland at 09:00 BST on Saturday. | Fans will be able to get in free to watch the match, which kicks off in Auckland at 09:00 BST on Saturday. |
| About 25,000 tickets will be on offer from 10:00 BST on Tuesday. | About 25,000 tickets will be on offer from 10:00 BST on Tuesday. |
| The match is being billed as one of the biggest in Welsh rugby history with the team seeking to reach a World Cup final for the first time. | The match is being billed as one of the biggest in Welsh rugby history with the team seeking to reach a World Cup final for the first time. |
| Wales beat Ireland 22-10 on Saturday in a performance which has been lauded by supporters and pundits alike. | Wales beat Ireland 22-10 on Saturday in a performance which has been lauded by supporters and pundits alike. |
| Millennium Stadium bosses hope fans will want to share the experience of watching Wales' second World Cup semi-final. | Millennium Stadium bosses hope fans will want to share the experience of watching Wales' second World Cup semi-final. |
| Manager Gerry Toms said: "With Wales' progress in the World Cup being so good, we sat on Saturday and watched the game and straight after we said we need to do something special now. | Manager Gerry Toms said: "With Wales' progress in the World Cup being so good, we sat on Saturday and watched the game and straight after we said we need to do something special now. |
| "This is a unique occasion in Welsh rugby history. We're through to the semi-final and, the way the boys are playing, there's a very, very good chance we're going to go through to the final. | "This is a unique occasion in Welsh rugby history. We're through to the semi-final and, the way the boys are playing, there's a very, very good chance we're going to go through to the final. |
| "We said 'Let's do something for our fans in Wales and why not open the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, let's put the game on the big screens and all our televisions, and bring an extra big screen in, and invite the spectators along for free.'" | "We said 'Let's do something for our fans in Wales and why not open the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, let's put the game on the big screens and all our televisions, and bring an extra big screen in, and invite the spectators along for free.'" |
| Mr Toms said he hoped about 25,000 would join the free viewing, but "that could change depending on what the take up is during the week". | Mr Toms said he hoped about 25,000 would join the free viewing, but "that could change depending on what the take up is during the week". |
| But he added there would be on one condition: "You've got to wear red!" | But he added there would be on one condition: "You've got to wear red!" |
| Fans will be limited to six tickets per person and be available to fans in person from gate 3 at the stadium on Tuesday, as well as the WRU website. | Fans will be limited to six tickets per person and be available to fans in person from gate 3 at the stadium on Tuesday, as well as the WRU website. |
| Cruise liner | Cruise liner |
| Meanwhile, supporters who want to watch the game in New Zealand are scrambling for the various match packages that are available. | Meanwhile, supporters who want to watch the game in New Zealand are scrambling for the various match packages that are available. |
| Despite the current financial climate, the chance to see Wales in a World Cup semi-final is proving very tempting, say travel operators. | Despite the current financial climate, the chance to see Wales in a World Cup semi-final is proving very tempting, say travel operators. |
| One company offering flights, match tickets for both semi-finals and three nights accommodation for around £2,500. | One company offering flights, match tickets for both semi-finals and three nights accommodation for around £2,500. |
| Another travel firm is offering three nights in Auckland on board a cruise liner, including tickets for both semi-finals but no flights, for £999. | Another travel firm is offering three nights in Auckland on board a cruise liner, including tickets for both semi-finals but no flights, for £999. |
| Leighton Griffiths, from Newport, said he booked his flights out for the semi-finals the moment the whistle blew on the Ireland game | Leighton Griffiths, from Newport, said he booked his flights out for the semi-finals the moment the whistle blew on the Ireland game |
| Mr Griffiths, who said he had an "understanding" employer, said: "We should see four games in the matter of a week and all in the same place. | Mr Griffiths, who said he had an "understanding" employer, said: "We should see four games in the matter of a week and all in the same place. |
| "If we play our best and we get through, we will have deserved it and you can't say any more than that and hopefully we will succeed." | "If we play our best and we get through, we will have deserved it and you can't say any more than that and hopefully we will succeed." |
| 'Very busy' | 'Very busy' |
| At the higher end of the scale, there are luxury packages available for flights, tickets to both semi-finals, third place play-off and the final, and accommodation for the duration for about £8,500. | At the higher end of the scale, there are luxury packages available for flights, tickets to both semi-finals, third place play-off and the final, and accommodation for the duration for about £8,500. |
| Jim Strachan, director of Strachan Sports Travel in the Vale of Glamorgan, said: "It's been absolutely hectic. | Jim Strachan, director of Strachan Sports Travel in the Vale of Glamorgan, said: "It's been absolutely hectic. |
| "I think it's just the fact that the Welsh team are playing so well. We would not be surprised to see them in the final." | "I think it's just the fact that the Welsh team are playing so well. We would not be surprised to see them in the final." |
| He said most people were heading out on Tuesday or Wednesday though, at a push, it was just about possible to make it by leaving on Thursday. | He said most people were heading out on Tuesday or Wednesday though, at a push, it was just about possible to make it by leaving on Thursday. |
| Thomas Cook Sport also said phones had been "very, very busy" on Monday morning. | Thomas Cook Sport also said phones had been "very, very busy" on Monday morning. |
| And a spokesperson for Gullivers Sports Travel said: "Our phone has been pretty much ringing off the hook this [Monday] morning. | And a spokesperson for Gullivers Sports Travel said: "Our phone has been pretty much ringing off the hook this [Monday] morning. |
| "We're having a massive amount of interest from Welsh fans." | "We're having a massive amount of interest from Welsh fans." |
| Are you thinking of flying out to the big game? If not, where are you going to be watching it? This Talking Point is now closed. Below are selection of the responses. Thank you. | |
| In Cardiff on an annual RAF re-union, will be at the Mill Stadium if can get in | In Cardiff on an annual RAF re-union, will be at the Mill Stadium if can get in |
| Wayne Driscoll, | Wayne Driscoll, |
| I've already pre-empted this. I booked hotel room in Cardiff for 22nd October last week on the hoping that Wales will get to the final. I was anticipating that the Millenium Stadium would be open for that. Here's hoping we get past France on Saturday. Cymru am Byth | I've already pre-empted this. I booked hotel room in Cardiff for 22nd October last week on the hoping that Wales will get to the final. I was anticipating that the Millenium Stadium would be open for that. Here's hoping we get past France on Saturday. Cymru am Byth |
| Tracey, Poole, England, | Tracey, Poole, England, |
| In the Millennium Stadium if they open!! Would be fantastic to watch it there and I'm sure many fans will want to experience an amazing atmosphere. | In the Millennium Stadium if they open!! Would be fantastic to watch it there and I'm sure many fans will want to experience an amazing atmosphere. |
| MJ, Cardiff | MJ, Cardiff |
| I will be heading to the stadium with a few of my mates for the game, if you want to keep an eye out for us we will all be dressed as sheep! | I will be heading to the stadium with a few of my mates for the game, if you want to keep an eye out for us we will all be dressed as sheep! |
| Gareth Wilmott, Caerphilly, | Gareth Wilmott, Caerphilly, |
| I will most certainly be going and taking my 3yr old daughter along for the experience! CYMRU AM BYTH! | I will most certainly be going and taking my 3yr old daughter along for the experience! CYMRU AM BYTH! |
| Ben Powell, Penarth | Ben Powell, Penarth |
| I hope everyone wants to watch it in the Stadium ... as that means I'll have more room in the pub when I go for breakfast and a beer! | I hope everyone wants to watch it in the Stadium ... as that means I'll have more room in the pub when I go for breakfast and a beer! |
| Nigel Harris, Barry, | Nigel Harris, Barry, |
| I'll opt for my local pub instead, since the game is actually late enough for them to open and serve! | I'll opt for my local pub instead, since the game is actually late enough for them to open and serve! |
| Ian, Cardiff, | Ian, Cardiff, |
| I will be heading to my local pub in the south of France hoping I won't be the only one clad of Red. In fact I'm trying to lend my spare shirts to the South Africans, English, Irish and Scots around me. | I will be heading to my local pub in the south of France hoping I won't be the only one clad of Red. In fact I'm trying to lend my spare shirts to the South Africans, English, Irish and Scots around me. |
| Gael, Antibes, France | Gael, Antibes, France |
| Brilliant idea. I also suggest that redcaps to be given to supporters at home matches. Lets make the stadium look like a fortress. | Brilliant idea. I also suggest that redcaps to be given to supporters at home matches. Lets make the stadium look like a fortress. |
| CARWYN HUGHES, Clanfield,Waterlooville,Hants | CARWYN HUGHES, Clanfield,Waterlooville,Hants |
| I will be the only Wales supporter on the team coach with my Swiss/French teammates heading to play for O.C. Monthey Rugby Club against Lugano in Division B of the Swiss Leagues. And I will be singing all the way through the Swiss Valleys whether the brave boys in red win or lose...And singing even louder on the way back when OCMonthey win!!! Allez les rouges!!! Allez Monthey!!!! | I will be the only Wales supporter on the team coach with my Swiss/French teammates heading to play for O.C. Monthey Rugby Club against Lugano in Division B of the Swiss Leagues. And I will be singing all the way through the Swiss Valleys whether the brave boys in red win or lose...And singing even louder on the way back when OCMonthey win!!! Allez les rouges!!! Allez Monthey!!!! |
| Tony Wright, Villars sur Ollon, Switzwerland | Tony Wright, Villars sur Ollon, Switzwerland |
| Well done Gerry Toms what a great gesture | Well done Gerry Toms what a great gesture |
| Jerry, Cardiff - Wales | Jerry, Cardiff - Wales |
| What a wonderfull idea a chance for everyone one to enjoy the real welsh atmosphere ....bring it on france CYMRU AM BYTH (Wales forever). | What a wonderfull idea a chance for everyone one to enjoy the real welsh atmosphere ....bring it on france CYMRU AM BYTH (Wales forever). |
| Tanya Davies, Caerphilly | Tanya Davies, Caerphilly |
| OMG soooooo exited!!! Us girls were coming to Cardiff Sat afternoon anyway to celebrate a Birthday.... but hey, plans all changed after Saturday.... Where are we watching it???? Millennium Stadium of course. 4 Tickets required for biggest WALES fans in the whole wide world!! CYMRU AM BYTH | |
| Julie Roberts, Aberystwyth - WALES | |
| Tickets have gone on sale early, they're available on the WRU site with a link to Ticketmaster, I've already got mine printed off so see you all there...I'll be the one in red :) | |
| Kath, Swansea Valley |