No Beyonce, No Rugby

In the midst of a grassroots revolt over bonuses and having posted loses of £37.9 million  in 2023/24, the RFU have launched a resident consultation seeking to expand the number of non-rugby event days. This week the RFU Chief Executive has publicly  threatened to move the stadium to Milton Keynes after missing out on Beyonce concerts.   

What does the RFU want to do?

THE RFU wants to increase the number of major non-sporting event days, such as concerts, from 3 days to 15 days per year. These event days will be grouped over a series of weekends over the Spring and Summer increasing from 9 event days in 2026, to 15 from 2028. The RFU also wants to Increase the capacity of events from 55,000 to 75,000.

The RFU also wants to host up to 36 banqueting events such as weddings and Christmas parties with a finish time of 2am, plus others (no number specified) to finish at 1am. Other outdoor events would finish no later than 11pm.

Transport Improvements?

The RFU is promising to enhance transport services to improve the experience of both event attendees and local residents. Details on how it intends to deliver this are limited, but includes promoting additional pedestrian crossings on the A316, improving shuttle bus operations, and optimising road closures to minimise delays and improve efficiency.

The RFU has also identified Whitton and Hounslow stations as underused resources that can reduce the reliance on Twickenham station. This will be achieved by updating the stadium website and improved wayfinding signage. More footfall could help grow the local hospitality sector in Whitton that some residents have long been hoping for.

Cash and tickets

Currently only 250 resident tickets for rugby matches are available and the RFU are proposing to increase availability to 1,000. No information is available on the number that will be allocated to Whitton residents.  

A new community fund will be created linked to non rugby event days. Potentially the more events that are held, the more community funds will be generated. A similar model is used in some London Parks and the fund is often managed by a resident committee.

The sustainability section includes a reference to improving the Duke of Northumberland’s River corridor, alongside tree planting, rain gardens and reimagining the stadium’s setting as a harmonious space. Potentially this could transform the area, particularly if the harmonious spaces are publicly accessible outside of events days which could help address the lack of accessible green space in Whitton. 

While the RFU is very clear what they want from residents, there is little detail on what residents will get in return beyond some more tickets and a yet undefined community fund. Whilst a desire to address the more significant transport and public realm issues are tantalising, at this stage there is no detail.

You can view the stadium consultation website and complete the survey here www.ourstadiumconsultation.co.uk/