Sophia Gardens, also known as the Cardiff Wales Stadium, is a prominent cricket stadium located in Cardiff, Wales, situated along the River Taff in the scenic Sophia Gardens parkland. It serves as the home ground for Glamorgan County Cricket Club and is a well-established venue for international cricket, hosting Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and events like The Hundred. The stadium is renowned for its picturesque setting, modern facilities, and rich cricketing history, having hosted significant matches such as the Ashes Test matches in 2009 and 2015, the 1999 Cricket World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2017. Its central location, approximately half a mile from Cardiff city center, makes it easily accessible for visitors.
Key Information
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Seating Capacity: 16,000
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Established: 1967
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Owner: Cardiff City Council
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Operator: Glamorgan County Cricket Club
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Location: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9XR, Wales
Sophia Gardens Seating Plan
Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, home to Glamorgan County Cricket Club, is a 16,000-seat stadium renowned for its modern facilities and rich cricketing history. The seating plan is designed to offer a variety of viewing experiences, catering to different preferences and needs.
Seating Layout Overview
The seating at Sophia Gardens is arranged to provide excellent sightlines and comfort for all spectators. While a detailed, interactive seating map is available on the official Glamorgan Cricket website, here’s a general overview of the main seating areas:
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Lower Tier: Closest to the pitch, offering an immersive matchday experience.
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Upper Tier: Provides elevated views, ideal for those who prefer a broader perspective of the game.
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Executive Boxes: Luxury suites with premium seating, catering to corporate guests and special occasions.
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Members’ Stand: Exclusive area for club members, offering dedicated facilities and seating.
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Accessible Seating: Designated areas for wheelchair users and companions are located in the Castell Howell Stand (Block 32) and Members’ Stand (Block 38).
History & Development
Sophia Gardens has been the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club since 24 May 1967, when the club moved from Cardiff Arms Park. The ground was established on land originally part of the Bute Estate, gifted to Cardiff Corporation in 1947 by the Marquess of Bute. Cricket has been played at the site since the 1860s, with the current stadium developed through a significant redevelopment project starting in April 2007 and completed in March 2008. This redevelopment, costing £9.4 million (partially funded by a £4.5 million loan from Cardiff Council), introduced modern facilities, including a new pavilion, media center, floodlights, and drainage system. The stadium gained international prominence when it became the 100th venue to host a Test match during the 2009 Ashes series.
Owner and Operators
- Owner: The ground is leased to Glamorgan County Cricket Club under a 125-year lease acquired in 1995 from Cardiff Athletic Club, the previous leaseholder, which moved its cricket section to the Diamond Ground in Whitchurch. The land is part of the Bute Estate, historically linked to the Marquess of Bute.
- Operators: Glamorgan County Cricket Club manages and operates the venue, overseeing cricket matches, events, and hospitality services. The club’s headquarters are located at Sophia Gardens, and they handle ticketing, event management, and visitor facilities.
Facilities for Visitors
Sophia Gardens offers a range of modern facilities to enhance the visitor experience:
- Seating Options: Various seating categories, including premium, general, and accessible areas, with stands like the Grandstand, Cathedral Road End, River Taff End, and Pearce Block.
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Accessibility: The venue prioritizes inclusivity with three accessible entrances (Gate Two, Gate Four, and Gate Five), wheelchair-accessible seating, ramps, and RADAR key-accessible toilets. A limited number of venue wheelchairs are available for escorted access, and assistance dogs are welcome with water bowls and a designated dog area
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Food and Beverage: Multiple food and drink outlets offer snacks, meals, and beverages. The venue is cashless, accepting only card payments. Hydration stations are available for refilling water bottles.
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Hospitality and Events: Sophia Gardens provides premium hospitality packages, including VIP boxes, the View (champagne reception, three-course meal, inclusive bar) and Lewis Lounge (arrival drink, two-course meal, cashless bar). Event spaces like Sophia Hall (up to 800 guests), Amber Lounge, and the CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket cater to conferences, weddings, and corporate events.
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Additional Amenities: Free Wi-Fi via The Cloud network, a multi-faith room near Gate 2, a merchandise shop, and a cricket museum (CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket). The National Cricket Centre offers state-of-the-art training facilities, including seven-lane practice areas and bowling machines.
- Transport and Parking:
- Public Transport: Cardiff Central Station (1 mile away, ~20-minute walk) is accessible via trains from London (2 hours), Bristol (~1 hour), or Birmingham (~2.5 hours). Bus routes 25, 62, and 63 connect Cardiff Central to Cathedral Road.
- Walking/Cycling: A scenic 20-minute walk from the city center along the River Taff or through Bute Park. Over 30 cycle parking spaces are available via the Taff Trail.
- Parking: Limited on-site parking, with disabled parking bays available by application (contact: 02920 419382). A Park and Ride service operates on major match days from Cardiff City Stadium to Sophia Close. Off-street parking can be pre-booked via YourParkingSpace.
Sophia Gardens Ticket Prices
Ticket prices at Sophia Gardens vary depending on the event, seating category, and match type (e.g., The Hundred, County Championship, or international matches). Specific pricing details are not consistently listed across sources, but general insights include:
Range: Prices range from affordable general admission (suitable for families and groups) to premium VIP packages, which include hospitality benefits like meals and drinks.
Purchasing Options:
Online: Tickets can be purchased through the Glamorgan County Cricket Club website (glamorgancricket.com), Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatUnique for hospitality packages.
On-Site: Limited on-site ticket sales may be available on match days, subject to availability. It’s recommended to check with the club for details.
Contact: For wheelchair-accessible or special needs tickets, contact the venue at 02920 419311 or hospitality@glamorgancricket.co.uk.
Tips: Booking in advance is advised for accessible seating and to secure the best seats, especially for high-demand events like The Hundred or international matches. Early booking may also offer better pricing.
For precise ticket prices, please visit the official Glamorgan Cricket website or contact the venue directly, as prices fluctuate based on the event and demand.