RFU pushes for more concerts at Allianz Stadium

The Rugby Football Union has reaffirmed plans to bring more major live music events to Allianz Stadium and will ask Richmond Council for permission to increase the number of non-sporting event days from three to 15 per year.

The move is central to the RFU’s long-term financial strategy as it looks to generate more income from Twickenham beyond the rugby calendar.

RFU Wants More Concerts At Allianz Stadium

Under the proposal, the increase in concerts and other major non-sporting events would be introduced in phases rather than all at once.

The RFU says events would begin with smaller numbers and lower capacities before expanding, depending on how well operations are managed by the stadium, local authorities, police and transport providers.

The governing body has also proposed new attendance limits for these events, with a cap of 75,000 on weekends and lower limits initially for midweek shows.

Concert Plans Linked To Rugby Investment

The RFU says additional concerts are vital because Allianz Stadium generates about 85 percent of its revenues, which are then reinvested across English rugby.

According to the union, the proposal would help support more than £500 million of investment into the sport over the next five years, from grassroots clubs to the national teams.

The plans are also tied to future improvements at the stadium itself, with the RFU arguing that extra revenue would help fund upgrades and improve the experience for fans.

Community Fund And Local Impact Measures

To address local concerns, the RFU says it will introduce a facility fee on concert tickets, with at least £1 from each ticket going into a Community Enhancement Fund.

That fund could generate up to £1 million a year for local projects, with spending decisions involving community representatives, councillors and RFU members.

“The UK has one of the strongest live events industries in the world, and Allianz Stadium – as the second largest stadium in the country and one of our most prized national assets – is best placed to capitalise on that success," said Chief Executive of the RFU Bill Sweeney.

The stadium is by far our biggest financial asset as a sport, but the fact that it’s use is currently limited to the short rugby calendar is in turn impacting the growth and potential of the game and its benefit to the local community.

More concerts in Twickenham will generate tens of millions of pounds each year for the local and national economies, and hundreds more jobs here in south-west London. It will also increase our ability to continue to work as a proud local neighbour, supporting local schools, charities and businesses across Richmond.

Bringing the world’s biggest artists here to Twickenham will also underpin the £500 million of funding we want to invest into rugby over the next five years.

I would like to thank Richmond Council and all the many stakeholders who have engaged with us to date, and we look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months.”