Finally, it’s the beginning of November and one of the most important times of the year! And no, we aren’t talking about the fact that you can now buy discounted Halloween chocolate for 10p per KG, whilst it simultaneously becoming socially acceptable to start putting up your Christmas decorations. (I think we’re going to wait a few more days…)
Of course, what we’re really talking about is the Rugby Union Autumn Internationals, taking place over this month of November 2017!
With the New Zealand All Blacks thrashing the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium in front of a 62,000 strong crowd last Saturday, and the mighty England next in the line up to play at Twickers this Saturday against Argentina, we thought it would be a good time to take a look at the history of the home of England Rugby and one of the most iconic sporting stadiums: Twickenham.
Whilst looking at the history of the stadium, we came across the top 5 things you probably didn’t know!
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Cabbage patch.
This stadium was not always the destination of rugby lovers far and wide. In fact, the land was originally used to grow cabbages, hence the stadium affectionately being known as the Cabbage Patch!
The land was purchased in 1907 for a measly £5,500, with the first stands constructed early 1908. The first game, between Harlequins v. Richmond, was played on 2 October 1909, and the first international, England v. Wales, on 15 January 1910 – At the time of the English-Welsh game, the stadium had a maximum capacity of 20,000 spectators; it can now hold 82,000 rugby fans, becoming the 2nd largest stadium in the U.K.
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Top hosts.
Since its opening, the stadium has of course hosted 1000s of rugby matches. It has also hosted the Rugby World Cup Matches in 1991, 1999 and 2015 with England as hosts in 1991 and 2015.
The Stadium also hosted semi-finals in 1999 including the France victory over favourites New Zealand, where the French slammed the All Blacks with a 43-31 scoreboard. (Many regard as the best Rugby match of all time, and we agree!)
Interestingly enough, in all of the stadium’s history, 23rd October 2016 was the first ever time another sporting event has been played: The NFL.
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Broadcast kings.
It seems like Twickenham Stadium has always been a place for firsts, not least when it comes to technology. It was here in 1927 that England vs. Wales was broadcast live on the radio for the very first time!
Fast forward 11 years to 1938 and an innovation was being trialled at Twickenham Stadium that in time would have a profound bearing on the game of rugby. The 52nd Calcutta Cup would be played out in front of cameras that would broadcast the game live on television for the very first time. March 19, 1938 – a day that would go down in Rugby history forever.
Wanting to keep up the tradition of staying ahead of the times, Twickenham was the first stadium in Europe to have unlimited Wi-Fi. (You’ve got to keep the millennials happy somehow…).
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Home is where the heart is.
Not only an iconic sporting ground, Twickenham is also home to the World Rugby Museum; attracting visitors near and far. Opening in 1996, the museum is located in the East Stand of Twickenham Stadium. (It officially became the World Rugby Museum in 2007).
The World Rugby Museum has the most extensive collection of rugby football memorabilia in the world and includes over 25,000 recorded objects, 7,000 pieces of archival material and 7-8,000 photographs as well of other rugby memorabilia such as boots, balls, jerseys, programmes, match-tickets, books and assorted paraphernalia. (A perfect day out for die hard rugby fans – there’s a stadium tour too!)
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Twickers best kept secret.
Who knew the stadium was used for more than just hosting sporting events! We give you Twickenham’s best kept secret: The Cellar
The cellar is the stadiums, ‘most exclusive dining facility concealed deep within the prestigious West Stand. It seats up to 14 people for an intimate and unforgettable dining experience, with a champagne and canapé reception, seven course tasting menu accompanied by fine wine and tea, coffee and homemade truffles’.
What more could you ask for! (Expect for a seat next to Jonny Wilkinson…)
Not only a great stadium to watch unforgettable rugby, but seemingly a place that holds a lot of history close to its rugby-ball shaped heart. If you are looking to arrange a day out to this stadium, and need experts to look after your travel plans, contact us here for your no obligation free quote.