Quick Answer
There is no set age limit for attending events at the Cardiff International Arena. However, entry requirements vary depending on the specific event. Some shows may have age restrictions, while others are open to all ages. It’s always best to check the entry requirements for a particular event before purchasing tickets.
Event Age Restrictions
Many concerts and live music performances at the Cardiff International Arena are restricted to those over the age of 14 or 16, unless accompanied by an adult. Age requirements are put in place by event promoters and organizers, not the venue itself.
For example, concerts by artists like Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, and Elton John have had minimum age requirements of 14 or 16 for unaccompanied minors. In these cases, children under the set age must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.
Some types of events are restricted to 18+. For instance, comedy shows by performers like Kevin Bridges, John Bishop, and Russell Howard are usually 18+ only.
There are also events suitable for younger audiences, such as Disney on Ice which has no minimum age. Family-friendly shows often recommend ages but don’t enforce firm age limits.
Ultimately the age policy depends on the nature of the event and the organizer’s discretion. The key is to check age guidance when booking tickets to ensure you meet the requirements.
Typical Age Policies
Here is an overview of typical age policies for different event types at the Cardiff International Arena:
Concerts
– Pop, rock, indie, metal concerts: Often 14+ or 16+ without adult supervision. Under 14s or 16s must be accompanied.
– Classical, jazz, folk concerts: Usually all ages welcome. Under 14s should be with an adult.
– Family concerts: All ages, but younger children should be supervised.
Comedy
– Stand-up comedy: Typically restricted to ages 18 and over. Some shows 16+.
– Comedy festival, variety shows: Sometimes 14+ or 16+ when unsuitable material is expected.
Sport
– Professional boxing, wrestling: Typically over 18s only.
– Other sporting events: All ages welcome, under 14s with an adult.
Theater
– Musicals, drama, ballet, opera: Usually all ages permitted, under 14s with an adult.
– Pantomimes and children’s shows: Specifically for younger audiences.
Family Entertainment
– Circuses, ice shows, stage magic: Generally open to all ages, under 12s must be supervised.
– Kids’ TV characters, party brands: Aimed at younger children and families.
Unaccompanied Minors
Children under the age specified in event age guidance cannot attend without an accompanying adult. The accompanying adult is required to be over 18 years old and must supervise their children throughout the visit.
There are usually no exceptions for turning up without adult supervision. Venue staff will refuse entry to unaccompanied underage attendees.
Some events allow 14 or 16 year olds to attend without an adult, but they may require parental/guardian consent. Check with the venue before the event for specific policies.
ID Checks
Be prepared to show identification to prove your age if required. Acceptable ID includes:
– Passport
– Photographic driving license
– PASS approved ID card
– Military ID
If you are unable to present valid ID to confirm your age, you will be refused entry without exception. Young people who appear under 21 may be asked for ID at the discretion of staff.
It’s advisable to carry ID to all age-restricted events in case checks are in operation.
Babes in Arms
For most events, infants and babies under the age of 2 can enter free of charge when sitting on a parent’s lap. This is subject to the event organizer’s discretion. A ticket still needs to be booked for the infant to allow entry.
Check with the venue before arriving with babies or toddlers, as sometimes stricter age policies apply. Bring ear defenders to protect young children’s hearing.
Purchasing Tickets
When booking tickets online, the age guidance for the event is usually displayed. If restrictions apply, you may need to confirm your age to proceed with purchasing tickets.
For events with an age limit, valid ID or proof of age will also be required for picking up pre-purchased tickets on the day. This includes collecting tickets booked by parents for children.
If you need disabled access or have specific requirements, inform the box office when booking. Read all the details carefully before confirming a booking.
Accompanying Adults
Adults accompanying underage attendees must adhere to the following rules:
– Remain on site throughout the visit.
– Responsible for their children at all times.
– Children must sit with the adult during the event/performance.
– Monitor behavior and noise levels of their group.
– Ensure children follow venue rules.
– Provide supervision on venue premises before, during, and after the event.
Children left unsupervised will be asked to leave. Adults failing to control underage attendees may be ejected without refund.
Wristbands
Color coded wristbands are sometimes used to identify customers by age at the Cardiff International Arena. These may be issued on entry and must be worn visibly at all times. Different colors represent:
– Red – Over 18 yrs
– Yellow – 14 to 17 yrs
– Green – Under 14 yrs
Wristbands help staff monitor compliance with age limits. Remove wristbands before exiting the venue.
Other Venue Rules
In addition to age limits, the Cardiff International Arena enforces other rules to ensure enjoyable, safe events. Customers must:
– Pass through security checks on arrival.
– Not bring alcohol or illegal substances on site.
– Refrain from smoking inside the building.
– Not carry food or drinks into the auditorium.
– Comply with photography and recording rules.
– Not display anti-social behavior or crowd surfing.
– Follow instructions from stewards and staff.
These rules apply to all visitors including children and their guardians. Breaching the venue policies may result in ejection without refund.
Arena District Curfew
An additional curfew applies to the Cardiff Arena district prohibiting unaccompanied under 16s from being in the area after 9pm. The curfew aims to protect young people on event nights.
Breaching the curfew can result in fines for parents/guardians. Accompanying adults must ensure under 16s leave the district before 9pm.
Travel Considerations
It’s recommended that parents/guardians bring underage attendees to the venue. Children should not travel independently to age-restricted events in the evening.
Arrange supervised transportation home afterwards. The city center can be very busy when events finish. Make sure young people know where to meet companions and how to get home safely.
Parental Discretion
Ultimately parents and guardians should use discretion when allowing underage children to attend events. Consider the specific nature of the show, content, language, length, and whether your child can cope with a busy venue and late night.
While some events advertise a minimum age, a higher age or parental guidance may be more appropriate depending on the circumstances.
Ages Overview Recap
– Check and adhere to age limits for all events. Bring valid ID.
– Unaccompanied underage attendees will be refused entry.
– Accompanying adults must supervise children throughout the visit.
– Age wristbands help staff monitor compliance.
– Follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
– Consider specific factors before allowing children to attend.
Conclusion
The Cardiff International Arena does not enforce a general age limit across all events. Entry age depends on the specific event, set by its organizer. Requirements range from no minimum age up to 18+ only.
It’s essential to check guidelines when purchasing tickets and arrive with valid ID. Unaccompanied underage attendees will not gain admission without meeting age restrictions. Adults must provide supervision for groups with children.
While some shows have no age limits, parents/guardians should consider what’s appropriate for their child to attend based on the nature of the event. Follow all venue rules and staff instructions for an enjoyable visit.