The Scarlets new season will start by honouring true Welshman and Scarlets great, Ray Gravell as the region hosts the public unveiling of his new bronze sculpture. The event will be held outside the main entrance to Parc y Scarlets (3.55pm) prior to the opening Magners League fixture of the season against Leinster.
The unveiling will mark the start of an afternoon of celebration of everything Scarlet including the region’s request for supporters and visitors to wear red and dress in ‘Scarlet for Grav’ at the opening game of the season.
The Scarlets have nominated their charity for the season to be the Ray Gravell and Friends Charitable Trust. There will be donation points around the ground for the charity at the game on Saturday afternoon for those wishing to lend their support.
Following the Grav sculpture event, the new Supporters Village (inside the stadium’s indoor training centre) will be fully open from 4.30pm to entertain the crowds with family entertainment including face-painting and bouncy castles. There will also be a designated adults only bar area with seating and the return of the popular ‘Stradey hog roast’.
And for those wishing to relive past glories, the big screen inside the stadium will show the 1972 Llanelli v All Blacks game so people can take their seats early to enjoy this famous victory.
There will be entertainment from the Scarlets choir and the newly signed official Scarlets cheerleaders will be adding a splash of colour to the occasion.
The Scarlets will also be running free shuttle bus transport from the stadium into Llanelli town centre starting at 10.30pm for those wishing to leave their car at home.
Scarlets Commercial Director, Rupert Moon said: “We have been listening to our supporters throughout the summer and where possible we are making changes to create a great match day atmosphere and experience for all.
“Our focus this season is ‘welcome to the Scarlets family’ and we are looking at ways to encourage more and more people from across our region to connect with us and be part of the match day at Parc y Scarlets – whatever the weather or result. We are still in the early stages and we do ask for some patience in making all these things happen.
“We’re expecting a big crowd on Saturday with the unveiling of the Ray Gravell sculpture so advise people to book their tickets in advance to avoid big queues on the day and to arrive in plenty of time to park and walk over to the stadium.
“We are all looking forward to a great opening afternoon and hope that it will be a fitting tribute to honour one of our greatest ever Scarlets – Diolch Yn Fawr Grav.”
