The history of Twickenham is a unique one. The site of this historic venue actually started out as a cabbage patch – strange, but true – but the now globally known stadium has played host to rugby games since 1909. Over 100 years later and hundreds of thousands of spectators now visit Twickenham Stadium, the world's largest rugby stadium, each year.
The Rugby Football Union has owned and operated at Twickenham stadium since 1907. The stadium is the second largest following Wembley and fourth largest stadium in Europe. It is somewhat legendary amongst both fans and players of rugby, with Nick Evans (former All Black) praising Twickenham as “…where you see the greatest rugby played by the greatest teams in the world.”
The first game taking place at the stadium was between local teams Harlequins V Richmond in 1909, with the first international game (England V Wales) in 1910. At the time of the English-Welsh game, the stadium had a maximum capacity of 20,000 spectators – Twickenham now boasts a capacity of an impressive 82,000.
Of this game, The London Standard reported: “To-day at Twickenham, English Rugby Football will be put to the test by Wales, and a great sporting world will be stirred. The occasion is a momentous one; we look to it to add another page to the history of an old game that even to-day, when commercialism has eaten deep into many branches of sport, has only to do with chivalry.”
Twickenham has continued to host many a “momentous occasion”, with memorable moments including England’s incredible 53-3 victory over South Africa’s Springboks in 2002 and a string of intense matches between rivals England and Wales.
Redevelopments
Since the first game played at Twickenham over 100 years ago, the iconic stadium has undergone many changes. In 1927, there was an extension to the East Stand, bringing the capacity to 12,000. Extensive rebuilding also took place throughout the 1980s and 1990s and by 1995, the stadium accommodated 75,000 people.
In 2002, Rugby Football Union sought planning permission for further new developments, which started in June 2005. These developments also introduced the four-star Marriott hotel, VIP suites, and a health and leisure club, as well as expanding the stadium’s capacity to its current 82,000.
The current redevelopment of the East Stand will include five new levels of space for receptions, parties, dining and live music, as well as spaces for conference and private functions.
Hospitality
As Twickenham is a landmark venue for this quintessentially British sport, iconic in reputation and globally prestigious as a host to some of the most captivating moments in rugby, it is only fitting that the hospitality on offer is on par.
The matches played within Twickenham are made even more enthralling by the electrifying atmosphere supplied by the spectators, with Australian player James Horwill saying of the experience, “The noise from the crowd is like nothing you have ever heard before.”
Twickenham hospitality packages combine this atmosphere with the finest in VIP treatment – including exclusive seating, the best view in the house and high-quality food and drinks.
These uniquely tailored hospitality options offer rugby fans the chance to be part of history, witnessing some of the most gripping moments in the sport in what is arguably the home of English rugby. “Experience the dream of being in Twickenham and being part of the biggest stage in Rugby” – Worcester Warriors’ Jack Singleton
With the HSBC Sevens just around the corner in June 2018, where else would you want to be?
