Headingley Heritage Tour launches

Taking place at Headingley Carnegie Stadium during Rugby World Cup 2015, the Headingley Heritage Tour will take visitors on a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous stadium, as well as exploring the history and memorable international sporting moments which have played out at Headingley across all three of the stadium�s sports: Rugby Union, Rugby League and Cricket.

The new tours will take place from 10am-12pm on Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Monday 28th September, fitting perfectly around the Rugby World Cup pool games being hosted in Leeds.

Built in 1890, Headingley Carnegie Stadium is the only stadium in the world to boast both cricket and rugby pitches sitting side by side, and has a long history of hosting major sporting events, including the first ever international Rugby League match in 1908, numerous Ashes tests since 1899 and a number of Calcutta Cup Internationals since 1893.

Taking visitors behind-the-scenes of the historic stadium, the tour provides the opportunity to enter the current dressing rooms, the exclusive Taverner�s bar, which offers views over both pitches, and see Don Bradman�s changing room seat on the day he scored 309 runs, plus much more.

Adding another layer of spectacle to the event, the tours will be guided by John Bentley, British and Irish Lions, England Rugby Union and England Rugby League player, giving visitors the chance to ask their burning rugby questions to a former international player. For those wanting an extra-special experience, the tour taking place on Friday 25th September also offers an optional lunch after the tour with question and answer session with a high-profile surprise guest joining the event and leading the Q&A.

Gary Hetherington, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Carnegie, said: �We are delighted to have developed a stadium tour over the Rugby World Cup tournament to celebrate the long history of Rugby, both union and league, in the city of Leeds. Headingley Carnegie Stadium has seen a huge variety of unforgettable sporting moments played out on its pitches, both domestic and international, and the chance to open our doors to the visiting fans from around the world is a great opportunity for us to celebrate our proud history.�

Councillor Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, commented: �It�s very exciting for Visit Leeds to partner with Yorkshire Carnegie to deliver a new visitor experience for sports fans during Rugby World Cup 2015. We hope sporting enthusiasts from all over the UK, as well as those visiting from overseas, will make the most of this limited edition offer, which will be a memorable addition to any Rugby World Cup 2015 touring itinerary.�

Leeds is hosting two games during the pool stages of Rugby World Cup 2015 at Elland Road Stadium. Canada vs Italy will take place on 26 September 2015, while Scotland vs USA will take place on 27 September 2015.

To find out more information about the tours and to book your place please visit www.yorkshirecarnegie.com/buytickets