Lions tour 2021 venues & dates: BT Murrayfield likely to host 'home tour' Tests

Image: BT Murrayfield; Scottish Rugby Hospitality

British and Irish Lions tour 2021 Test dates are highly likely to be held in the UK and Ireland. We discuss Murrayfield as a probable Test venue, hospitality options and what makes Edinburgh a great hosting city.

Following the UK Government's announcement that crowds may return to stadiums in June, the prospect of  a Lions 'home tour' seems increasingly more viable.  

Reports have named Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin and London as possible hosting cities. A final decision over where the tour is going to be held is not expected until the end of March. However, the Guardian has revealed that 'contingency planning behind the scenes for a home option has already started'.  

Murrayfield Stadium is the iconic home of the Scottish Rugby Union. It's used for Scotland's international rugby union matches, including the Six Nations and Autumn Internationals. Given the stadium's status and schedule-free summer, it could be a viable venue option for Lions Test matches.

We discuss the possibility of Murrayfield hosting Lions-South Africa Test matches, potential hospitality options and why Edinburgh is the perfect place to watch the Lions take on the current world champions.

Murrayfield to host Lions v Japan warm up Test

The Lions face Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday 26th June 2021, where both sides will compete for the Vodafone 1888 Cup. Edinburgh will host the first-ever clash between the world's greatest touring team and the Brave Blossoms, ahead of their South Africa series.

The warm-up match precedes a three Test series against the Springboks however, the planned tour to South Africa will not happen this summer due to Covid. The UK Government's lockdown exit plan outlines the potential for crowd limits to be removed by 21st June - just in time for the Lions v Japan fixture.

Any 'home tour' scenarios would involve Tests in capital cities across the UK and Ireland. Although it's not yet clear if Murrayfield will host Lions-South Africa Tests after staging Lions-Japan, the Lions board is increasingly confident the tour will proceed this year, with the Edinburgh venue a likely location.          

Want to witness history in the making? Lions v Japan hospitality packages are available to buy now at Seat Unique. To secure your seat, simply click on the button below.  

Murrayfield Stadium's history

Murrayfield Stadium sits in the west end of Edinburgh and is named after the area it's located in. It has a seating capacity of 67,144, making it the largest stadium in Scotland and fifth largest in the UK.

England were the first team to visit Murrayfield on 21st March 1925, with 70,000 fans watching Scotland beat them to win their first Five Nations Championship Grand Slam.

In World War II, the ground at Murrayfield was offered to the nation and was taken over by the Royal Army Service Corps who used it as a supply depot. During in this time the armed forces sports authorities arranged two Scotland v England services internationals each year. Scotland's home matches were played at Murrayfield in 1944 [source Wikipedia].

A record attendance of 104,000 was set at Murrayfield on 1st March 1975 when Scotland defeated Wales during the 1975 Five Nations Championship. This incredible stadium has also helped Scotland Rugby win the Six Nations title outright 15 times. If the 2021 Lions tour is moved to the UK, they could achieve similar success on Edinburgh’s hallowed turf.

Edinburgh's electric atmosphere

A great way to spend a day in Edinburgh is at the rugby. Scotland boasts a strong and proud rugby heritage and is one of the most popular sports in the country.

Murrayfield is known for having a great atmosphere, particularly in international rugby games where the camaraderie and friendly rivalry between local and visiting fans creates an unforgettable experience.

The home of Scottish Rugby creates a patriotic and enjoyable environment for anyone visiting. If Lions-South Africa Tests are played there, fans can expect an unforgettable matchday experience as supporters from each home nation come together to cheer on the greatest touring team.

Murrayfield's incredible hospitality experience

The Murrayfield hospitality experience is truly unbeatable. Excitement builds as soon as you arrive at the stadium, where you will join passionate fans from home and the visiting nation for delicious food, flowing drinks and entertainment from past and present rugby legends.

There is no greater luxury than watching Scotland Rugby from an exclusive hospitality facility at Murrayfield. From relaxed suites to private boxes, there's a suite to suit all tastes and budgets.

So, why not embrace the festival atmosphere in the Hospitality Village, where you will receive the highest standard of pre and post-match hospitality in a marquee located behind the West Stand. Or enjoy the intimate and relaxed atmosphere in Murrayfield's new premium hospitality facility, the Centenary Suite.

The famous Thistle Suite promises a warm Scottish welcome, where you will enjoy excellent food and lively entertainment. If you want to watch the rugby from the comfort and privacy of your own private space, a Murrayfield Box is the perfect option for you!

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Browse official Scottish Rugby hospitality packages for popular fixtures including Scotland v England and Scotland v France below.