VENUE AND ACCESS INFORMATION

Last Updated: 20.12.23

This page contains information about the event venue (Sport Wales National Centre)

We really want to make sure that you have all the information you require to plan your visit to the event! If you have any questions about the venue or event, please contact [email protected]

Key topics this page covers includes:

VENUE INFORMATION

PARKING INFORMATION

PUBLIC TRANSPORT LINKS

ARRIVING AT THE VENUE AND VENUE FACILITIES

ASSISTANCE DOGS

SENSORY AIDS AND ADAPTATIONS

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT

FOOD AND DRINK

WIFI ACCESS

VENUE INFORMATION

What is the venue address?

Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff CF11 9SW

What is the venue telephone number?

0300 300 3123

PARKING INFORMATION

Is there parking available at the venue?

The venue has a small onsite car park, and an overflow car park which is around 50-100 meters distance from the venue.

There are marked accessible bays approximately 30 meters from the main entrance.

Do I have to pay for parking?

Parking is free in the venue car park and overflow car park. There are alternative pay and display parking near the venue. Near by pay and display car parking, and pricing,  can be found here

PUBLIC TRANSPORT LINKS

Can I travel to the event via public transport?

You can find information and resources to help plan your journey by bike, train, bus or walking here.

There are locations for cycle parking at the main entrance of the centre.

There are cycle trails in each direction. The Cardiff Council website has resources to help plan your journey.

Train services run from Cardiff Central Station, the station is a 15minute walk from the venue. More information can be found at https://www.traveline.cymru/

ARRIVING AT THE VENUE AND VENUE FACILITIES

How do I get into the venue?

The venue has a main entrance that has 2 ramps for access and a set of steps. This will be the main entrance for spectators and volunteers for the event.

The venue also has a side reception entrance, which is located to the left of the building, which is a dedicated entrance for accredited persons (Athletes and their support teams) for the Wheelchair Fencing World Cup which has a ramp and step access.

What are the facilities like inside the venue?

• Majority of ground floor area is flat, with a gradual ramp in one area.
• Facility is well lit.
• Reception desk has lowered counter and audio-loop.
• Cafeteria pay point has lowered counter and audio-loop.
• Lifts do not play background music.
• The lift does has an audible announcer.
• The lifts do not have Braille markings.
• Toilets and Changing Rooms are well lit.
• Venue has multiple accessible toilets on each level.

ASSISTANCE DOGS

Can I bring my assistance dog?

Registered assistance dogs are welcome at the venue.

Where can my assistance dog get water?

Water bowls will be located outside of the main entrance to the venue.

Where can my assistance dog go to the toilet?

The venue has many paths and green spaces outside of the venue, it is located inside a park, so there is nearby green spaces for walks.

SENSORY AIDS AND ADAPTATIONS

Can I bring my sensory aids and supports?

We welcome you to bring any aids that may use, such as fidget aids and ear defenders/ear pieces.

Are any sensory aids available to hire?

We will also have a stock of these available at the event. Please speak to a volunteer on your arrival to arrange this.

Are companion tickets available for this event?

At this event we offer a free companion tickets to accompany individuals who require support. When purchasing tickets, make sure you add the free companion ticket to the basket.

The event has a number of accessible seating spaces. Please ensure when booking you confirm if you require seating in the accessible area.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT

What may I see or hear at the event?

If you are coming to the event, there are some key aspects of wheelchair fencing events that you may want to know before the event.

Fencing has lots of different sights and sounds.

Here are some of the sights you may see and noises you may hear at the event:

• There are often sounds of metal frames moving as the fencers move backwards and forwards.
• The scoring system for fencing can make a buzzing noise
• When a fencer scores a point, there will be a flashing red or green light alongside a buzzing noise
• With any live sport, there are passionate athletes and coaches! They may clap, shout or scream at certain points and it can be very loud
• At some points of the day, particularly at the start of each event, there are a lot of fencers moving around on the field of play and in the walkways. If you want to avoid the busy points, we recommend emailing [email protected] to let you know when is the best time to come, or to remain in the spectator seating area while the events are starting
• The PA system will be used throughout the day for announcements and during presentations and medal ceremonies

FOOD AND DRINK

Can I buy food and drink at the venue?

The venue has a cafe, we will provide more information about what food and drink is available to purchase before the event. The cafe is located on the ground floor, to the right hand side of the main entrance

Can I bring in my own food and drink?

You may bring your own food and drink into the venue

WIFI ACCESS

Does the venue have wifi?

The venue has a free wifi service available to all guests