A USA rugby star and a former Prime Minister were among the attendees
Women Rugby World Cup fans were drenched this afternoon at Ashton Gate on Bristol (Image: Paul Gillis / Reach Plc )
The Women’s Rugby World Cup brought Bristol a “tremendous” £15million boost – and another major sporting event is coming in 2026. The local leisure industry converted interest in the tournament – which England’s Red Roses went on to win – into serious money as two quarter finals and both semis were played at Ashton Gate.
More than 92,000 fans from the UK and overseas flocked to Bristol for the matches, many extending their stay to enjoy the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops, heritage and cultural attractions and the fan zone at Lloyds Amphitheatre.
As well as the fans who travelled to the city, global influencers also came to enjoy the sporting spectacle and shine a light on Bristol, including USA rugby star and social media icon Ilona Maher – who played for Bristol Bears earlier this year – and former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.
Tourism chiefs are now hoping to build on the success and bid for further large sporting events in future, with the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup already confirmed for next year. Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers’ Association, said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosted here in Bristol, has made a tremendous impact on the city’s hospitality industry.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organising such a special and successful event. While a select number of hotels had the honour of hosting teams throughout the tournament, the benefits were felt across the entire market.
“City-wide, we saw exceptionally high occupancy levels – particularly across the two peak weekends, where occupancy exceeded 90%, and revenues rose by an impressive 20-30%.
“It was fantastic to see Bristol showcase itself on the international stage, welcome increased footfall, and thrive during such a prestigious occasion. Here’s to many more world-class events in our city!”
The city was also praised by World Cup organisers. Becs Leach, its head of tournament, venue and city operations for Rugby World Cup, said: “Bristol really got behind the Women’s Rugby World Cup delivering four incredible match days at Ashton Gate Stadium and a lively, inclusive and entertaining fan zone in the amphitheatre.
“All our fans, workforce and teams were treated to a really special welcome in the city, so we want to thank everyone in Bristol for supporting us in making it such a massive success.”
The fan zone – delivered in partnership with Visit West, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Redcliffe and Temple BID – played a significant part in Bristol’s success as host city despite some wet weather.
A few hardy souls enjoying the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the fan zone at Ashton Gate in Bristol (Image: Paul Gillis / Reach Plc )
Compered by former England international Amber Reed and Welsh rising star Jenna De Vera, the fan zone featured a large screen showing the matches live and free activities from several local businesses including a mobile climbing wall by Mendip Activity Centre, creative and scientific workshops by We the Curious and ice hockey from Bristol Pitbulls.
Bristol Bears rugby were on site encouraging people to try out their skills and there was a pop-up visitor information point, too. Kathryn Davis, chief executive of Visit West, said bringing the World Cup to Bristol had been four years in the making.
“From the initial bid to host which began back in 2021, to delivering a buzzing Fan Zone, creating a viral social media video showcasing Bristol and producing a hub with invaluable content on the Visit Bristol website, it has been a team effort throughout,” she said, adding: “With strong international audiences and viewing figures, Bristol is firmly on the map for global sport, and we look forward to hosting six matches of the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Bristol next year and to bidding for and working with future major tournaments.”