Cardiff set for ‘busiest ever weekend’ as UEFA Champions League comes to town
In welcoming the first wave of fans to Wales, the Economy Secretary highlighted the different options available to those wishing to travel, stressing the importance of leaving plenty of time to avoid disruption.
Ken Skates said:
“The long wait is almost over. This weekend will see Cardiff host the greatest sporting event of 2017, the UEFA Champions League Final. The final is the culmination of months of planning that has been focussed on ensuring visitors from across the world are safe, well looked after and afforded a fantastic Welsh welcome as they enjoy the occasion.
“With around 200,000 additional visitors expected in Cardiff over 1-4 June, 2,500 members of the media and an estimated global live TV audience of 200 million, few events can match the Champions League Final for size and scope. The challenges that come with being the smallest city ever to host such an event should not be underestimated, not least in ensuring that every aspect of the infrastructure and transport network is primed to best serve South Wales and it’s many visitors.
“The weekend will see additional trains providing capacity for up to 60,000 passengers, with partners from across the UK helping ensure increased rail capacity and frequency.
“There will be over 1250 coaches, an additional temporary terminal at Cardiff airport helping welcome up to 10,000 air charter passengers to Wales and the Eastern Bay link road which will open to coaches. There will also be a number of park and ride/walks in full operation, the newest of which, in Llanwern, will add 4,000 additional spaces.
“These are amongst the many, many measures in place to support what will be the busiest ever weekend on our transport network. For those travelling in and around Cardiff, please leave plenty of time and carefully consider all available modes of transport to avoid disruption.”