Travel advice to The SSE SWALEC for the Investec Ashes Test Match

Martyn Bicknell
7 July 2015 06:53 PM
Cricket News

First Great Western Services expected to be significantly affected from Thursday 9 July to start of service on Saturday 11 July.

The SSE SWALEC will see England and Australia battle for the urn once again when the first of this year's Investec Ashes Tests gets underway in the Welsh capital tomorrow. Tickets for days 1 - 4 of the Test Match have already sold out, with limited availability for day 5 (Sunday 12^th July).

Unfortunately First Great Western has confirmed that services to Cardiff will be significantly reduced, should the planned strike action by RMT members go ahead, starting from Thursday 9^th July. This action only affects First Great Western services and other rail travel will be unaffected, including Arriva Trains Wales.

The 07.15 and 08.15 First Great Western services from London Paddington to Cardiff will arrive in time for the 11am scheduled start of the Test Match on both Thursday 09 July and Friday 10 July. Furthermore there are limited services returning from Cardiff to London Paddington following the end of the Test (17.55 and 19.25). However, these services will be extremely busy so we recommend customers make alternative travel arrangements where possible.

By road, Cardiff is approximately 3 hours from London and 2.5 hours from Birmingham. Glamorgan will be operating a Park & Ride service from Cardiff City Stadium (SatNav: CF11 8AZ), which drops off very close to The SSE SWALEC. The P&R can be followed from the directional signage off M4 Junction 33. It is £10 per car upon arrival, which opens at 8.15am and last bus departing The SSE SWALEC at 8pm.

By train, Cardiff Central Railway is 1 mile away, if you journey to Cardiff Central is unaffected by industrial action, the walk to The SSE SWALEC finishes along the banks of the famous River Taff and through the grounds of Cardiff Castle (Walking time is approximately 15- 20 minutes from the city centre). Our SSE Energisers will be on hand to provide assistance for your walk to the Stadium and the path is clearly marked by Ashes branding.

Hugh Morris, Chief Executive of Glamorgan Cricket, said: "As the first Investec Ashes Test gets underway, excitement in The SSE SWALEC has reached its peak. This is something that we have been planning for a long time and we're really looking forward to the Test getting underway.

"We consider it a privilege to hold an Investec Ashes Test, especially with so many world-class cricket grounds vying for the honour. We have learned a lot of lessons from the 2009 Test and we know that there will be a great atmosphere in the stadium on each day."

Further train information can be found at either firstgreatwestern.co.uk and arrivatrainswales.co.uk.

The SSE SWALEC TOP 10 TRAVEL TIPS

Get Here Early - There is no public car parking available at the ground, the best way to get here is on a park and ride service. Plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time to get the ground.
Don't Miss the Fanzone - Talk a walk around the ground, make sure you visit the Fanzone where we host our match day activation and you can catch all the action on our Foster's big screen What's more you cvan test your cricket skills & enjoy live music and a range of food and refreshment outlets.
Warm Welsh Welcome - Our stewards and volunteer information ambassadors will be happy to help on the day. If you have any queries, big or small, please speak to a steward who will be happy to assist you.
Cash is King - Payments at the food and drink units and any ticket updates you may need to purchase are cash only. However, there is a cash point on site should you require one.
Beware of the Welsh Weather - Bring a raincoat & sun-cream, please prepare yourself for all kinds of the British summer weather.
Don't Forget your Tickets - No duplicate tickets will be issued.
Check the Ground Regs - Please stay off the pitch and within your limits so that you adhere to the Stadium Ground Regulations.
Feeling Peckish?- Visit the Food Village under the Grandstand or better still The Foster's Fanzone on the lawn where we have a big Screen, plenty of activities to enjoy and a selection of food available.
Drink within your Boundaries - There are plenty of bars in the Food Village, the Foster's Fanzone and around the concourse. Please don't bring alcohol to the ground as it is prohibited within our Ground Regulations. Likewise as are unsealed plastic bottles.
Enjoy! Have a great day and enjoy your visit to The SSE SWALEC!