SIDELINES

TWICKENHAM

n ON THE BOX

Every Six Nations fixture in 2009 will be shown live on the BBC. The team will be present at all sixteen matches – even on a Friday night for the first time in the long and illustrious history of the tournament. BBC2 will show the clash between France and Wales under the bright floodlights of Stade de France that night. The grand finale offers a feast of rugby with Italy at home to France at 1.15pm, Scotland’s visit to Twickenham at
3.30pm and the game that could prove so decisive, Wales hosting Ireland at 5.30pm. BBC’s comprehensive coverage will also
be live on radio
and online.

Twickenham is the heart and soul of English rugby. Since its very first match took place at the stadium in 1909 there have been numerous hugely entertaining matches, including the 1991 Rugby World Cup Final in which Australia beat England 12-6. Since its creation, the stadium has undergone many renovations, recently building a new South Stand and introducing a four-star hotel complex to the stadium. With a capacity of approximately 82,000, the atmosphere created during any game is something special; next to Wembley, it is the largest venue in England, and has also been the location for many music concerts, including U2 and the Rolling Stones.

MILLENNIUM STADIUM

Wales’ modern Millennium Stadium is the main sporting focal point of the
country, and one of the most impressive sporting venues in Europe. Since its
birth in 1999, the 72,500-seater stadium has seen many great sporting
encounters take place, ranging from Six Nations action to hosting the
Football League play-offs and FA Cup final. Built from 56,000 tonnes of
concrete and steel, the stadium also boasts 22 bars, 7 restaurants and 17 first aid points. It also has a retractable roof, protecting it from all elements and heightening the modern aspect of the venue.

CROKE PARK

Croke Park is, for now, the home of Irish rugby (Lansdowne Road is currently being redeveloped). Originally a stadium for gaelic football matches,
Croke Park was named after Archbishop Thomas Croke in 1908. The 82,300 capacity makes the venue the fifth largest stadium in Europe and the current largest stadium in the Six Nations. Croke Park is also the temporary home of the Irish football team.

MURRAYFIELD

Scotland’s Murrayfield originally opened in 1925, and was renovated into a modern 67,500 capacity stadium in 1995. Murrayfield’s corporate facilties are second to none, hospitality boxes, each with a capacity for 12 guests, offering great pitch-side views and The Thistle and 1925 Suites able to hold as many as
500 guests. It is the largest venue in Scotland and creates a hugely
intimidating atmosphere that at times propel Scotland to some memorable international victories (most recently their 15-9 victory over England during
the last Six Nations).

France’s national stadium is a modern stroke of architechtural genius. Not only is the stadium able to hold 80,000 people, it also contains a running track, and has hosted numerous athletics events. The stadium was originally built for the 1998 World Cup in France. Like the other Six Nations stadiums, it also plays host to concerts, with Madonna and The Pussycat Dolls playing in 2008.

England will look upon this stadium with mixed feelings – they lost the 2007 World Cup Final to South Africa here but have a great record against France – including wins in both the World Cup semi-final and last year’s Six Nations.

STADE DE FRANCE

SIX NATIONS TRIVIA

The Six Nations trophy has a capacity of 3.75 litres – sufficient to be filled with five bottles of champagne by the victorious side on March 21st

STADIO FLAMINIO

The 24,973-seater stadium is situated in Rome, and is by far the smallest of the six stadiums. Despite this, it still manages to provide a great atmosphere; the impact of the local,
partisan Italian support revealed by the fact the majority of Italy’s victories
in the Six Nations have come when playing at home. Once purely seen as a
football ground, the stadium is now recognised as Italy’s home ground,
such is the growing popularity of Italian rugby. In addition, the venue is
also the home ground of Serie C football team A.S. Cisco Roma.

12 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES