Rodney Parade Stadium

Rodney Parade Essential Details

Rodney Parade Stadium Basic Details

Stadium Capacity

8,700 spectators

Year Opened

1877

Address & Location

Rodney Parade, Rodney Road, Newport, NP19 0UU, Wales

Newport, Wales

Technical Specifications

Pitch Type

Hybrid (Grass + Hybrid Technology)

Stadium Type

Multi-Sport Venue

Primary Sport

Rugby Union

Venue Classification

Stadium

Stadium Shape

Traditional asymmetric rugby ground — modern east stand (Bisley) opposite historic west stand (Compeed) along the touchlines, with uncovered terracing at the north end and the south clubhouse

Structural Features

Rodney Parade has four spectator areas surrounding the pitch. The Bisley Stand (East, opened October 2011) is the modern all-seater stand with 2,526 seats including 13 hospitality boxes that run along the back of the stand, plus a TV camera gantry on the roof (cameras point westward, often showing iconic sunsets over Newport city centre). The Compeed Stand (West) is the historic two-tier stand with the upper tier all-seated (1,996 seats including 40 press seats) and the lower tier a covered standing terrace. The uncovered North Terrace (standing) adjoins the uncovered West Touchline Terrace alongside the Compeed Stand. The clubhouse at the north end houses the Brecon Lounge and Rodney Hall bars. The PlayMaster hybrid grass pitch (installed 2017) combines natural grass with synthetic fibres to handle the wear of three professional teams. Newport Squash Rackets Club has four squash courts at the ground.

Location & Maps

Loading map...

About Rodney Parade

About Rodney Parade Stadium

Rodney Parade is one of the most historic sports venues in the United Kingdom — the home of Dragons RFC (one of the four professional Welsh rugby regions) since 2003, plus Newport RFC and EFL League Two side Newport County A.F.C. since 2012. Located on the east bank of the River Usk in Newport city centre, the stadium opened in 1877 and is the second-oldest sports venue still used in the English Football League, behind only Deepdale in Preston. The 8,700-capacity ground (reduced to 7,850 for football matches) features two main covered stands along the touchlines — the two-tier Compeed Stand (West, 1,996 seats + standing terrace) and the all-seater Bisley Stand (East, 2,526 seats including 13 hospitality boxes opened October 2011). The North Terrace and West Touchline Terrace are uncovered standing areas. The pitch was upgraded in 2017 to a PlayMaster hybrid grass surface to handle the wear of two professional rugby teams and a football club playing throughout the year. The stadium was owned by the Welsh Rugby Union from 2017 until 2023, when a private consortium purchased both Rodney Parade and the Dragons region from the WRU. The all-time record attendance of 31,000 was set on 10 January 1952 when Newport RFC hosted South Africa — capacity has since been reduced for modern safety standards.

Visiting Rodney Parade

🏛️Stadium History

Rodney Parade was opened in 1877 — two years after the founding of Newport Athletic Club — after the land was secured from Godfrey Morgan, 1st Viscount Tredegar. The original ground hosted cricket, tennis, athletics and rugby. In October 1879, Rodney Parade made history as the first ground in Wales to install floodlights, with Newport RFC playing Cardiff RFC in a famous floodlit rugby match. Newport RFC enjoyed six consecutive unbeaten seasons in the late 19th century, cementing the ground's reputation as a fortress. Rodney Parade hosted six full Wales rugby internationals between 1884 and 1912, and witnessed Newport RFC's legendary 3-0 victory over the touring New Zealand All Blacks. Other international touring sides to have graced Rodney Parade include the 1924 All Blacks and the 1960 Springboks. Monmouthshire County Cricket Club played at Rodney Parade from 1901 to 1934, with the cricket ground located to the south of the rugby pitch (replaced by Maindee Primary School in 1993). Following the regionalisation of Welsh rugby in 2003, the Dragons regional team was formed and made Rodney Parade their home, sharing the ground with Newport RFC. In May 2012, Newport County A.F.C. relocated from Newport Stadium to make Rodney Parade their home — the first time the ground had hosted association football on a regular basis. The Bisley Stand opened in October 2011 as the new east stand. In 2017, Newport RFC shareholders agreed to sell the ground to the Welsh Rugby Union, with a new PlayMaster hybrid grass pitch installed to cope with the demands of three professional teams. Newport RFC relocated to Newport Stadium in 2021. In 2023, a private consortium purchased Rodney Parade and the Dragons region from the WRU, returning the stadium to private ownership.

⚡Matchday Atmosphere

Rodney Parade has one of the most atmospheric matchday experiences in the URC despite its modest 8,700 capacity. The compact, traditional ground places fans extremely close to the action, with the iconic uncovered North Terrace housing the most passionate Dragons supporters singing throughout the match. The famous Bisley Stand opposite generates impressive acoustics with its high cantilever roof. Famous Welsh rugby singing of "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" and "Sosban Fach" echoes around the ground on big derby fixtures against Cardiff, Ospreys and Scarlets. The dual identity of the stadium — sharing matchdays between rugby and football — gives Rodney Parade a unique multi-sport character that few URC grounds can match, and the famous "Exiles" Newport County crowds bring their own colour to non-rugby weekends.

🎯Stadium Tours

Rodney Parade does not currently offer a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme due to the heavy daily use of the ground by three professional teams (Dragons RFC, Newport RFC, and Newport County A.F.C.). Bespoke group tours can be arranged by appointment for schools, corporate clients, and supporter groups via the Dragons RFC commercial team. The 60-minute experience typically includes the historic 1877-vintage ground, the modern Bisley Stand (2011) and traditional Compeed Stand, the Brecon Lounge and Rodney Hall clubhouse facilities, the home dressing room, the famous players' tunnel, and pitchside access on the PlayMaster hybrid grass surface. Contact dragonsrugby.wales or call +44 1633 670690 to enquire.

🏛️Stadium Museum

Rodney Parade does not feature a dedicated permanent museum, but the ground itself is a living monument to over 145 years of Welsh rugby history. Heritage displays and photographs are exhibited throughout the Bisley Stand, Compeed Stand, and clubhouse celebrating key moments in the ground's past: the first floodlit rugby match in Wales (Newport RFC v Cardiff RFC, October 1879); the six full Wales rugby internationals hosted between 1884 and 1912; Newport RFC's legendary 3-0 victory over the touring New Zealand All Blacks; the touring sides who graced the ground including the 1924 All Blacks and 1960 Springboks; and the formation of the Dragons region in 2003. The Brecon Lounge clubhouse holds memorabilia from across Newport rugby's long history.

Getting to Rodney Parade

Getting to the Stadium

Newport Railway Station (10-15 min walk)

Newport Railway Station is approximately a quarter of a mile from Rodney Parade — a 10-15 minute walk across the River Usk via either Newport Town Bridge or the Newport City footbridge. Operated by Transport for Wales (TfW) and Great Western Railway (GWR), the station has frequent services from Cardiff Central (15 min), Bristol Temple Meads (20 min), Birmingham New Street (1 hour 45 min), and London Paddington (1 hour 50 min). The walking route is well-signposted on matchdays and passes through Newport city centre with several pubs and restaurants en route.

Newport Bus Station & Local Routes 42/43, 9A/9C

Newport Bus Station is virtually adjacent to the railway station and is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from Rodney Parade. The closest local Newport Transport routes to Rodney Parade are the 42/43 (Mon-Sat) and 9A/9C (evenings and Sundays). Newport Transport also operate a Coach and Minibus Parking facility at 160 Corporation Road (£35 coach / £15 minibus), located adjacent to Rodney Parade — ideal for visiting supporter group bookings. Use the Newport Bus journey planner for the latest matchday timetables.

Driving & City Centre Parking

Rodney Parade is reached via the M4 motorway: Junction 26 from the west (3rd exit at roundabout onto Malpas Road A4041, through 2 sets of traffic lights, second exit at next roundabout, first exit across the River Usk, right onto Chepstow Road, right onto Cedar Road, right onto Corporation Road, first left onto Grafton Road), or Junction 25a from the east. CRITICALLY: there is NO PUBLIC PARKING at Rodney Parade. The closest options are city centre multi-storey car parks Friars Walk and Kingsway Shopping Centre, both a short walk across the Millennium River Bridge or Newport Town Bridge (4-7 minutes). Kingsway offers 2 hours free parking.

Walking from Newport City Centre

Rodney Parade has an exceptional city-centre location, just 10-15 minutes walk from Newport Railway Station and the main city centre. From the station, turn left along Queensway, head under the Old Green interchange, cross either the Newport Town Bridge or the Newport City footbridge over the River Usk, then take the first right onto Corporation Road and head along to Rodney Road. The walk is well-signposted on matchdays and passes through Newport's shopping district. Most central Newport hotels are within 15 minutes walk of the ground.

Stadium Tours

Bespoke Group Stadium Tours

Tour Description

Rodney Parade does not currently offer a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme. As a working multi-tenant ground hosting Dragons RFC, Newport RFC, and Newport County A.F.C., the venue is in heavy daily use which limits scheduled tour windows. However, bespoke group tours can be arranged by appointment for schools, corporate clients, and supporter groups via the Dragons RFC commercial team. Tours typically showcase the 1877-vintage ground with its rich Welsh rugby history, the modern Bisley Stand (opened 2011), the Compeed Stand, the Brecon Lounge and Rodney Hall clubhouse facilities, the dressing rooms, and the famous players' tunnel.

Pricing & Duration

Adult tickets cost Price on request, children's tickets are Price on request, and concession tickets are available for Price on request. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 60 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.

Tour Highlights

The Bespoke Group Stadium Tours includes walk down the players' tunnel, visit the home dressing room, see the historic compeed stand (1922) and modern bisley stand (2011), brecon lounge and rodney hall clubhouse, hospitality boxes overlooking the pitch, pitchside on the famous playmaster hybrid grass surface, stories of newport rfc's legendary 3-0 victory over the new zealand all blacks and other historic rodney parade moments, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Tours run by appointment subject to availability — typically weekdays outside of fixture and event schedules. Not available on matchdays. Group bookings preferred. Contact Dragons RFC via dragonsrugby.wales or by phone +44 1633 670690 to enquire about bespoke group tour availability and pricing. Tours are organised on a bespoke basis depending on group requirements.

Hotels Near Rodney Parade

Where to Stay

The Celtic Manor Resort

Accommodation Type & Location

Luxury accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £220 to £600 per night

Description

The Celtic Manor Resort is one of the UK's most famous luxury hotels — a 5-star resort located just 10 minutes drive from Rodney Parade overlooking the River Usk valley. Famous for hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup and the 2014 NATO Summit, the 334-room resort features three championship golf courses including the Twenty Ten Course, a 35,000 sq ft Forum spa, multiple restaurants, and the celebrated Steak on Six. The standout luxury choice in South Wales for visiting rugby fans and corporate guests.

Mercure Newport

Accommodation Type & Location

Mid-range accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £100 to £220 per night

Description

Mercure Newport is a 4-star country hotel set in 18 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside, approximately 8 minutes drive from Rodney Parade. The 119-room hotel offers comfortable, modern accommodation with the Bistro Restaurant, a fully-equipped fitness centre, bar lounge, free on-site parking, and meeting facilities. A reliable mid-range choice with country-hotel character that contrasts with the city-centre alternatives.

Travelodge Newport Central

Accommodation Type & Location

Budget accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £55 to £140 per night

Description

Travelodge Newport Central is the closest budget hotel to Rodney Parade — just 10 minutes walk away in the heart of Newport city centre. The 105-room hotel offers excellent value with on-site Bar Café restaurant, 24-hour reception, free WiFi, and accessible rooms. The unbeatable price-to-location ratio makes it a favourite of Dragons and Newport County away supporters.

The Westgate Hotel

Accommodation Type & Location

Boutique accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £100 to £220 per night

Description

The Westgate Hotel is a historic Grade II listed boutique hotel in Newport city centre, just 6 minutes walk from Rodney Parade. Famous as the site of the 1839 Chartist Uprising — Britain's last armed insurrection — the hotel features beautifully restored Victorian interiors, 70 individually designed rooms, the Bullet Hole restaurant (named after the original Chartist bullet holes still visible in the building), and a Welsh hospitality character that few chain hotels can match.

Dining at Rodney Parade

Restaurants

Steak on Six at The Celtic Manor Resort is the leading steakhouse in the Newport area — a multi-AA Rosette steak restaurant located on the 6th floor of the famous resort, just 10 minutes drive from Rodney Parade. Stunning panoramic views over the River Usk valley combine with the finest dry-aged Welsh and Argentinian beef cooked over a Josper charcoal grill. Booking essential, particularly on matchdays. Tiny Rebel on Cardiff Road is the Newport flagship of one of Britain's most celebrated craft breweries — a buzzing modern gastropub just 12 minutes walk from Rodney Parade. The kitchen serves a popular modern pub menu of burgers, wings, pizzas and sharing plates, paired with the legendary Tiny Rebel range of craft beers (including Cwtch Welsh red ale and Clwb Tropicana IPA). A favourite of visiting rugby supporters and Newport locals alike.

Pubs & Bars

The Murenger House is Newport's most loved traditional pub — a Grade II listed 16th-century Tudor merchant's house on High Street in the city centre, just 10 minutes walk from Rodney Parade. Run by St Austell Brewery, this CAMRA-loved pub serves a wide range of real ales, traditional pub food, and offers genuine 500-year-old Welsh pub atmosphere with original Tudor beams and characterful corners throughout. The standout traditional drinking experience for visiting rugby fans. The Six Bells is a traditional Welsh country pub just outside Newport in Llanthewy Skirrid — a 15-minute drive from Rodney Parade. Set in beautiful Welsh countryside, this characterful village pub serves an excellent selection of real ales, traditional Welsh and British pub food, and offers a refreshing rural alternative to the city-centre options. A favourite of Dragons supporters travelling in from the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire.

Rodney Parade Accessibility

Accessibility

Step-Free Access via Designated Entrances

Rodney Parade offers step-free access via designated accessible entrances. As a heritage 1877 ground that has been progressively modernised, provisions are concentrated in the newer Bisley Stand (opened 2011) which offers full step-free access to its all-seater accommodation. Stewards are available on matchdays to direct wheelchair users to the appropriate entrances and seating positions. Wheelchair users should contact the Dragons RFC ticket office in advance to confirm the best accessible entrance for their seating position.

Wheelchair Bays in the Bisley Stand

Dedicated wheelchair spaces with adjacent companion seating are available at Rodney Parade, primarily within the modern Bisley Stand. The positions provide unobstructed pitch views and full cover. Capacity is limited and advance booking via the Dragons ticket office is essential, particularly for big Welsh derbies and European Champions Cup fixtures. Companion ticket typically included or available at concession rate. Demand is high for European and derby fixtures.

Accessible Toilet Facilities Available

Accessible toilet facilities are available at Rodney Parade, with the most modern provisions located in the Bisley Stand (opened 2011). Locations are signposted from wheelchair seating areas. As a historic 1877 ground, the older Compeed Stand has more limited accessible provisions. Stewards can direct visitors to the nearest accessible facilities.

No On-Site Disabled Parking

There is no general on-site spectator parking at Rodney Parade, including no on-site disabled parking. Blue badge holders should use the city centre multi-storey car parks at Kingsway Shopping Centre (4 min walk via Newport City footbridge) or Friars Walk (5 min walk), both of which have accessible bays. The Newport Transport coach/minibus parking facility at 160 Corporation Road may accommodate accessible vehicle requests by prior arrangement. Contact the Dragons ticket office in advance to discuss specific access requirements.

Filter by Category

What is the capacity of Rodney Parade?Featured

Rodney Parade has a capacity of 8,700 for rugby and 7,850 for football matches. The all-time record attendance is 31,000, set when Newport RFC hosted South Africa on 10 January 1952 — capacity has been reduced for modern safety standards. The stands have the following capacities: Bisley Stand (East) 2,526 seats including 13 hospitality boxes; Compeed Stand (West) 1,996 upper-tier seats plus lower-tier standing.

How old is Rodney Parade?Featured

Rodney Parade opened in 1877 — making it 149 years old. It is the second-oldest sports venue still in use in the English Football League, behind only Deepdale in Preston. In October 1879 it became the first ground in Wales to install floodlights, with Newport RFC playing Cardiff RFC in a famous floodlit rugby match.

What is the nearest train station to Rodney Parade?Featured

Newport Railway Station is the nearest station, located approximately a quarter of a mile from Rodney Parade — a 10-15 minute walk across the River Usk via either the Newport Town Bridge or the Newport City footbridge. Operated by TfW and GWR, the station has frequent services from Cardiff Central (15 min), Bristol Temple Meads (20 min), Birmingham New Street (1h 45m), and London Paddington (1h 50m).

Is parking available at Rodney Parade?Featured

No, there is NO spectator parking at Rodney Parade. Visitors should use city centre multi-storey car parks — the closest options are Kingsway Shopping Centre car park (4 minutes walk via Newport City footbridge, secure and reasonably priced with 2 hours free) and Friars Walk (5 minutes walk). Be wary of permit-only parking restrictions on residential streets near the ground. Newport Transport offers a Coach and Minibus Parking facility at 160 Corporation Road (£35/£15).

How much do Dragons tickets cost at Rodney Parade?Featured

Dragons URC tickets at Rodney Parade start at approximately £15 for adult North Terrace standing tickets and £10 for juniors. Compeed Stand standing terrace is £18-£30, Compeed Stand upper-tier seated £25-£45, premium Bisley Stand £35-£55, and full hospitality packages from £140 per person. Pricing varies by fixture category (with Welsh derbies and European Champions Cup matches at the higher end).

Which teams play at Rodney Parade?

Rodney Parade is the home of Dragons RFC (URC and European competitions, since 2003), Newport RFC (Welsh Premiership), and Newport County A.F.C. (EFL League Two, since 2012). It is the only URC ground that also hosts EFL football. The ground is owned by Dragons Stadium and operated by Dragons RFC.

Who owns Rodney Parade?

Rodney Parade is owned by Dragons Stadium Ltd. The ground was owned by the Welsh Rugby Union from 2017 until 2023, when a private consortium purchased both Rodney Parade and the Dragons RFC region from the WRU. Newport RFC originally owned the ground until selling it to the WRU in 2017.

How do I get to Rodney Parade from the M4?

From the M4 west: take Junction 26, 3rd exit at roundabout onto Malpas Road (A4041), through 2 sets of traffic lights, second exit at next roundabout, first exit across River Usk, right onto Chepstow Road, right onto Cedar Road, right onto Corporation Road, first left onto Grafton Road. From the east: Junction 25a. NO spectator parking at the ground — use city centre car parks.

What food and drink options are available at Rodney Parade?

Rodney Parade has multiple food and drink options across the ground: bars beneath the Bisley Stand (with big TVs for watching the action), two bars beneath the Compeed Stand, and more options at the corner where the Hazell Terrace meets the North Terrace. The clubhouse at the north end has two large bars known as the Brecon Lounge and Rodney Hall. For pre-match drinks in the city centre, The Murenger House (Tudor pub) and Tiny Rebel are the most popular options.

Are stadium tours available at Rodney Parade?

Rodney Parade does not run a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme due to the heavy daily use of the ground by three professional teams. Bespoke group tours can be arranged via the Dragons RFC commercial team for schools, corporate clients and supporter groups by appointment. Contact dragonsrugby.wales to enquire.

Is Rodney Parade accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, with provisions concentrated in the modern Bisley Stand (opened 2011). Rodney Parade offers step-free access via designated accessible entrances, dedicated wheelchair bays with companion seating in the Bisley Stand, accessible toilet facilities, and steward assistance on matchdays. There is no on-site disabled parking — use the accessible bays at Kingsway or Friars Walk car parks (5-7 min walk). Wheelchair tickets must be booked in advance via tickets@dragonsrugby.wales.

What is the playing surface at Rodney Parade?

Rodney Parade has a PlayMaster hybrid grass playing surface, installed in 2017 by the Welsh Rugby Union to handle the wear of two professional rugby teams plus Newport County football matches throughout the year. The hybrid surface combines natural grass with synthetic fibres for enhanced durability and year-round playability — essential for the only URC ground that also hosts EFL football.

Latest News

Dragons Conclude 2025-26 URC Season at Rodney Parade

Published

25 May 2026

Article Summary

Dragons RFC completed their 2025-26 United Rugby Championship season at Rodney Parade after a season under coach Filo Tiatia. The campaign featured seven URC home fixtures plus European Champions Cup Challenge Cup home pool matches, with the club continuing to consolidate following the 2023 private consortium takeover from the WRU. The 2025-26 season saw further investment in Rodney Parade's matchday experience and supporter facilities.

Newport County Manchester United FA Cup Tie Sees Capacity Expansion

Rodney Parade - Home of Dragons RFC, Newport