With tension in Cardiff mounting for a potentially defining moment in Welsh football, the big screen is in place on the Millennium Stadium pitch, stretching as high as the upper tier, and fans who can’t make it to Manchester are expected to turn out in their droves for the next best thing.
The screening of Wales’ Euro 2004 match against Russia last season attracted 3,000 fans, but there is no greater draw than the ‘auld enemy’ in Welsh football and the Stadium expects to break that record.
Wales captain Gary Speed has backed the Millennium Stadium plans and will lead his team out against England at Old Trafford spurred on by the knowledge that thousands of fans without a ticket for the away match will be there in spirit, if not in body, as they watch on the giant inflatable screen in Cardiff.
‘I think it’s a great idea,’ said Speed. ‘It’s been said before that we have the greatest fans in the world in Wales and they really get into the spirit. ‘It will be great for the boys to know that the Millennium Stadium will be teeming with Wales fans at the weekend as we take on England.
‘They will have more support than us in Manchester but the thought of thousands of our fans gathered together in the Millennium Stadium to really get into the spirit of things is fantastic.
‘I hope we can give them something good to shout about and they can create something like the atmosphere we will inevitably get for the return match in September.’
With more than 2,000 tickets – priced at £2 for adults and £1 for children – sold already, the Millennium Stadium looks set to create the best atmosphere to watch Speed, John Hartson, Ryan Giggs and co. outside of Old Trafford!
The Millennium Stadium has worked alongside Wales team sponsors Nationwide and Carling to put on a family fun day in Cardiff, which will also see the likes of sprinter Christian Malcolm and football pundit David Giles go head to head in a penalty shoot out.
The fun starts at 2.00pm, with kicking competitions, beer promotions and food and drink at high street prices – tickets are available now and right up to kick-off from the official shop at 98 St Mary Street and from the entry point at Millennium Stadium’s Gate 7 on matchday.
