Rugby World Cup 2015 in Milton Keynes
Once selected as a host city and all the hard work and processes that entailed from 2012, a partnership of MK Council, MK Dons FC, The Parks Trust, Destination MK, The Stables, Thames Valley Police along with support from local communities set about bringing the Rugby World Cup 2015 to MK. Following on from discussions with England Rugby our host city provided a spectacular Festival of Rugby for local people and visitors from all over the World. As well as detailed plans for matches and the Web Ellis World Cup Tour 20-21st August, the city was dressed with banners and flags, transport operations and walking routes devised, the Fanzone was erected and its event programmes compiled.
In addition a whole sports and cultural legacy was created. MK’s adopted host rugby teams, Samoa and Fiji, undertook community engagements with local schools, rugby club juniors and youth groups. A schools rugby tournament was held and celebratory activities organized at local rugby clubs.
The Legacy
Prior to the RWC 2015 a large amount of investment was made to building and promoting sporting facilities and organisations in the area. As a legacy element a 3 year programme has been established to provide training and volunteer opportunities for staff and students at local colleges and schools and is to be expanded to assist others from local communities
The event was a huge success and John Cove, Leader of the organizing committee said
“We always knew the city would deliver on the world’s stage, but even this surpassed our hopes and expectations”
Its effect on the area was enormous - building a festive community spirit in most local clubs and pubs, showcasing what Milton Keynes can achieve to residents and visitors alike and our Stadium:MK surprised many sporting pundits and professionals with its facilities and aura of friendliness and enthusiasm. Not to forget the huge number of volunteers mustered, who welcomed people to the area arriving at coach and rail stations, car parks, the Fanzone and Stadium:MK and many other points throughout the city.
The event was estimated to have generated over £50million into the local economy and some of the curious stats include:
· more than 50,000 trips made by fans aboard shuttle-buses,
· more than 460,000 fans travelled from overseas to watch the games,
· over 25million Japanese tuned in to the broadcast of the Samoa v Japan match on tv ( an international broadcasting record),
· 40,000 pints of beer were drunk at MK’s three games,
· 17,000 hotdogs and pies were sold at the Stadium:MK,
· 360,000 people visited the Fanzone, Campbell Park,
· more than 12,000 people experienced the Clash of Drums spectacular
Once selected as a host city and all the hard work and processes that entailed from 2012, a partnership of MK Council, MK Dons FC, The Parks Trust, Destination MK, The Stables, Thames Valley Police along with support from local communities set about bringing the Rugby World Cup 2015 to MK. Following on from discussions with England Rugby our host city provided a spectacular Festival of Rugby for local people and visitors from all over the World. As well as detailed plans for matches and the Web Ellis World Cup Tour 20-21st August, the city was dressed with banners and flags, transport operations and walking routes devised, the Fanzone was erected and its event programmes compiled.
In addition a whole sports and cultural legacy was created. MK’s adopted host rugby teams, Samoa and Fiji, undertook community engagements with local schools, rugby club juniors and youth groups. A schools rugby tournament was held and celebratory activities organized at local rugby clubs.
The Legacy
Prior to the RWC 2015 a large amount of investment was made to building and promoting sporting facilities and organisations in the area. As a legacy element a 3 year programme has been established to provide training and volunteer opportunities for staff and students at local colleges and schools and is to be expanded to assist others from local communities
The event was a huge success and John Cove, Leader of the organizing committee said
“We always knew the city would deliver on the world’s stage, but even this surpassed our hopes and expectations”
Its effect on the area was enormous - building a festive community spirit in most local clubs and pubs, showcasing what Milton Keynes can achieve to residents and visitors alike and our Stadium:MK surprised many sporting pundits and professionals with its facilities and aura of friendliness and enthusiasm. Not to forget the huge number of volunteers mustered, who welcomed people to the area arriving at coach and rail stations, car parks, the Fanzone and Stadium:MK and many other points throughout the city.
The event was estimated to have generated over £50million into the local economy and some of the curious stats include:
· more than 50,000 trips made by fans aboard shuttle-buses,
· more than 460,000 fans travelled from overseas to watch the games,
· over 25million Japanese tuned in to the broadcast of the Samoa v Japan match on tv ( an international broadcasting record),
· 40,000 pints of beer were drunk at MK’s three games,
· 17,000 hotdogs and pies were sold at the Stadium:MK,
· 360,000 people visited the Fanzone, Campbell Park,
· more than 12,000 people experienced the Clash of Drums spectacular
