Allianz Stadium and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) are set to host consultation events on plans to create a 'best-in-class multi-event venue' for the future.  

Upcoming in-person consultations will give residents the opportunity to hear the RFU's and Allianz Stadium's plans for potentially increasing the number of non-sporting events at the stadium.  

This week, the RFU and Allianz Stadium are hosting two consultation events at the Twickenham ground on Tuesday, 25 March, from 4pm-8pm and Saturday, 29 March, from 10am-4pm.

Another event will be held on Wednesday, 26 March, from 5pm-8pm at The Exchange, Twickenham.  

Currently, Allianz Stadium can host up to three major non-sporting events per year, but it is looking to increase this to 15 to attract more artists and generate additional revenue for the stadium.  

In its 'A Vision for the Future' masterplan, the RFU and Allianz Stadium stated: "Despite its iconic status, Allianz Stadium remains underutilised, with the pitch and stands sitting empty for up to 340 days a year – a figure that rises during Rugby World Cup years.  

"This significant underuse represents a major missed opportunity to generate the revenue necessary to fund essential improvements and enable the game of rugby to flourish nationwide."

The proposed increase in non-sporting events, such as concerts, would be phased in gradually with nine events in 2026, twelve events in 2027, and fifteen per year from 2028. Potential events would be grouped into weekends and held during the spring and summer months.  

Plans from the RFU include promises to improve local transport and traffic during events and match days (credit: Cesar Medina).

The RFU also wants to increase event capacity from the current limit of 55,000 attendees to up to 75,000, depending on the event.  

With a potential increase in visitors and footfall, the RFU acknowledges that transport infrastructure would need to improve.

Some of its proposed ideas include enhancing event-day services at Whitton and Hounslow stations, introducing shuttle buses to Hounslow East and Richmond stations, installing fixed, branded signage to improve pedestrian movement, and optimising traffic management and pedestrian crossings near the stadium.  

The masterplan also aims to benefit the local community by expanding the ticket allocation for England Internationals from 250 to 1,000, with a pre-sale system, and establishing a new community improvement fund.  

According to the RFU, Allianz Stadium supports 85% of its revenue, and ensuring its long-term viability requires significant investment.  

The RFU added: "Our five aspirations and principles for improving and enhancing Allianz Stadium will allow it to thrive as a world-class venue whilst continuing to enhance its value to the local community."

Via its website, local community group Whitton Village expressed concerns about the proposals, stating: "While the RFU is very clear about what they want from residents, there is little detail on what residents will get in return beyond some more tickets and a yet undefined community fund.  

"Whilst a desire to address the more significant transport and public realm issues is tantalising, at this stage there is no detail."

The first consultation on the 'A Vision for the Future' plan took place in October 2024, where residents voiced concerns about increased traffic congestion, disruptions to local transport services, noise pollution, and anti-social behaviour during event days.  

The RFU aims to submit a formal planning application between April and July 2025 to request an increase in non-sporting events at Allianz Stadium. A final decision on the proposals could be made by September 2025.

To find out more about the masterplan and resident consultations click here.

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