Speedway spectacular chooses Cardiff for the next five years

18th July 2011

The FIM British Speedway Grand Prix will return to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 2012 in a new five-year deal between the stadium and the Welsh Government to continue hosting the hugely popular event.

Next year’s speedway spectacular will take place on Saturday August 25th 2012 and early-bird tickets are now on sale with savings of up to 15% for those who take advantage of the offer before August 31st 2011.

One of the factors that helped to persuade organisers to return to Cardiff was the Cardiff Commitment – an agreement between Cardiff & Co, the city’s hoteliers’ association and the Millennium Stadium. Around 20% of the city’s hotel capacity will be made available at favourable prices to those fans booking early.

It will be the 12th FIM British Speedway Grand Prix to be hosted at the Millennium Stadium, with this year’s flagship World Championship event attracting more than 43,000 fans.

BSI Speedway managing director, Paul Bellamy, said: We are absolutely delighted to have been able to extend our contract and commitment to Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium for another five years.

“This year’s meeting was again a huge success and as a city, Cardiff has totally embraced world championship speedway – the Fanzone proving even more popular than ever this time around.

“As always we want to ensure fans are getting value for money so as well as the stadium and Welsh Government, we’ll once again be working with Cardiff & Co to offer fans booking advance tickets the chance to reserve hotel rooms at reasonable rates.

“This new five-year deal is great news for us, the fans and for Cardiff and we’re very much looking forward to another great year ahead of the next FIM British Speedway Grand Prix.”

Richard Thomas, managing director of Cardiff & Co, the company set up to promote the city region throughout the world, said: “The Cardiff Commitment was set up to offer special hotel rates for visitors at major events. The FIM British Speedway Grand Prix was the first to take advantage of the deal and the knowledge that fans will get a fair deal was a key factor in helping to reach agreement for the event to remain in Cardiff for the next five years. This is excellent news.”

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones, said: " I'm delighted that we are able to announce a funding package for the BSI Speedway Grand Prix for 2012 - 2016 which will give stability for the event to grow and prosper in Wales.

“The event attracts visitors from outside of Wales to Cardiff and provides a significant economic boost to the city and this year, the event was televised in 140 territories, giving Wales' profile a major boost.  This support secures the event to be held at the Millennium Stadium for the next five years as it is an important fixture for the summer season in the city."

Millennium Stadium Manager, Gerry Toms, said: “The event has become a firm attraction on the calendar of major events which take place at the Millennium Stadium and it is always an exciting, entertaining and dramatic occasion when speedway comes to Cardiff.

“The feedback we get from people who attend is always extremely positive and the atmosphere and excitement created by speedway extends from the stadium on to the streets of our capital city with a true sense of something big taking place here.”

Around 20% of the city’s hotel’s capacity will be made available at favourable prices to those fans booking early.

Tickets can be purchased via www.speedwaygp.com by clicking on the ‘2011/2012 tickets’ button in the top right-hand corner and clicking on ‘2012 events.’ They are also available by calling 0844 248 5029 (International fans call +44 161 425 7770)

Fans keen to take advantage of the accommodation offer should follow the link to a dedicated website, which can be found on their e-mail confirmation from Ticketmaster.

Meanwhile, those purchasing their tickets over the phone can call to book their accommodation via Cardiff and Co on 029 2087 1023 with their ticket booking reference details.

Tickets are on sale now by calling: 0844 248 5029 or via www.speedwaygp.com

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