Six Nations venues across Europe are implementing new policies that will stop rugby fans from bringing bags into stadiums on match days, but there is a solution if rugby fans want to keep their belongings safe during the games.
CityStasher – a sharing economy solution for left luggage – has a range of trusted storage locations near stadiums across the UK and Europe. They’re working to give fans travelling to and from games a cheap and convenient solution if they’re turned away from the gates because their bags or pushchairs aren’t allowed in. Bags can be stored for just £6 for 24 hours.
Twickenham is just one stadium to implement a small bag only policy this year. Any bags that cannot fit under the seat will not be permitted, so CityStasher’s venue next to Twickenham Station will store the property of rugby fans looking for a safe left luggage facility nearby.
The Twickenham StashPoint has grown used to responding to increased demand on match days, after the number of sports fans needing bag storage increased when regulations tightened during the NFL last year. The owner of the Foodland Express store, Manmeet Singh, said:
‘The shop is always super busy when there are games on at Twickenham, especially because of the tightened security regulations. We always appreciate the extra custom though, and are looking forward to welcoming rugby fans during England’s home games next month. We have plenty of space to store luggage, rucksacks and pushchairs, and will be prepared for the influx of bookings when that first England v Wales match rolls around!’
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Six Nations cities across the UK are following suit. Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh is only allowing bags up to A5 size inside the arena, and both Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Aviva Stadium in Dublin will only permit small bags and handbags, which will be subject to search. Attendees with bigger items will be able to drop them at one of CityStasher’s city centre storage locations – many of which are near key public transport hubs.
Fans watching the action abroad can also make the most of the service. There are 37 StashPoints in Paris which are well placed to cater to rugby fans heading to the Stade de France, with three of these right next to the city’s main Gare de Nord train station.
CityStasher co-founder Matt Majewski said: It’s understandable that big stadiums want to minimise the amount of baggage going into their venues – both for security reasons, and because big bags can get in the way and cause obstructions. We want to help keep rugby fans and their belongings safe, so by ensuring there are StashPoints in each of the major Six Nations cities, we’re able to do just that.
“Many fans are probably unaware of the new restrictions, so we’re expecting to have lots of last minute drop-offs before the games! I’m sure fans would rather pay our small fee to have their stuff kept safe, than miss out on watching the match of a lifetime.”
StashPoints are shops, hotel and small businesses that have secure storage space. Customers book ahead via the CityStasher website, pay online, then simply drop the bags off.
Each location is assessed for security before joining the network, and every bag left is fitted with a security tag and insured for up to £750.
To see the locations of the StashPoints and to book a space, you can visit www.citystasher.com