Twickenham Stadium – The Home of English Rugby – The Cabbage Patch
Twickenham Stadium is not only the home of England rugby, it is the largest venue dedicated exclusively to rugby union events. Purchased for £ 5,500 in 1907, it was converted from a cabbage field (hence its affectionate nickname) into the second largest stadium in the UK after Wembley. With a capacity of 82,000 spectators, it is the fifth largest stadium in Europe. The first rugby match ever played was in 1909 between the Harlequins and Richmond, and the matches haven’t stopped since! The 2009/2010 season was the centenary of the first international match at Twickenham. To mark the historic achievement, the England team played Wales on February 6 wearing special commemorative jerseys designed for the match.
Things to do and see at Twickenham rugby stadium
The Cabbage Patch offers more than just a seat to watch rugby. Experience the excitement of game day first-hand, delve into history through a tour of the World Rugby Stadium and Museum, and purchase a souvenir at the rugby shop. Not just a sporting venue today, Twickenham Stadium also opens its doors for a wide range of events. Since the 1950s, it has hosted London’s annual Jehovah’s Witness conventions, which about 25,000 attend each year. It is also well known as a music venue. Over the years, its visitors have included Lady Gaga, Avenged Sevenfold, Iron Maiden U2, Genesis, The Police, REM, Bon Jovi, Eagles, Richard Benson, and The Rolling Stones.
The Walk of Legends and the Centennial Wall
The Walk of Legends is a unique feature of Twickenham Stadium and a must see for any Rugby fan. Celebrate the best of English rugby and showcase 46 of England’s greatest players in history, including Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Robinson, David Duckham and Mickey Skinner. You can see the impressive feature by visiting the Puerta de los Leones, next to the newly built south grandstand. The catwalk is made up of squares, the center pieces dedicated to each of the famous players. The surrounding squares have been bought by English fans who want to make their mark in the stadium. To celebrate the centenary of Twickenham Stadium, a wall was erected in the same style as the Walk of Legends. The Centennial Wall can be visited in front of the Northeast stand.
World Rugby Museum + Store
One of the most popular attractions, the World Rugby Museum welcomes more than 25,000 visitors through its doors each year. Located in the East Stand, it opened in 1996. It houses more than 25,000 rugby-related items, has several permanent galleries and regularly hosts special exhibitions. The rugby shop is located in the south stand (they also have a shop in Twickenham town center). During popular events, a small shop is also opened under the East Stand. Rugby Store sells a large selection of replica England teams, England team branded clothing, souvenirs and gifts. Not a fan of England? They have a variety of international replica jerseys, training wear and equipment.
Corporate hospitality facilities in Twickenham
Twickenham’s hospitality packages are second to none. When booking Twickenham rugby packages, always ensure that the company uses the official hospitality facilities within the Twickenham grounds:
- Kneller Hall: luxury tent, visit of the England players after each match
- Recinto de la huerta – tent site, near the east stand
- Green Room – Private Suite at North Stand, Hosted by Lawrence Dallaglio, Austin Healey, and Will Greenwood
- Players Lounge – Held in the Live Lounge, a Q&A session with up to 4 players
- Chase Bridge Hospitality Village: a group of tents in the West Car Park
- Merits: a community at Richmond College
- Rugby House: Various Suites and Restaurants in South Stand
- St George’s Suite – a restaurant on the East Stand
- Obolensky’s – courtside restaurant
- Wakefield’s – courtside restaurant