By Guy O’Donnell, Director of Get the Chance

What better way to talk about how Tempo Time Credits work than sharing an amazing ruby match in the capital of Wales! Last Saturday I was lucky enough to head down to Cardiff Arms Park to watch Cardiff Rugby take on Racing 92 in the EPCR Challenge Cup — and the best bit? I did it with Tempo Time Credits. What a brilliant way to turn volunteering into unforgettable moments!

What Are Tempo Time Credits?

If you haven’t yet come across them, Tempo Time Credits are a simple but powerful way of rewarding and thanking people for the time they volunteer in their communities. Members of the Network earn 1 Time Credit for every hour you volunteer. You can spend those credits on a huge range of activities and experiences offered by Tempo’s network of partners — from theatre tickets to museum entry, to sport and more.

I’ve earned mine through administrating and helping out with Get the Chance. Get the Chance works to create opportunities for a diverse range of people to experience and respond to sport, arts, culture and live events.

How to Use Tempo Time Credits to Get a Rugby Ticket

Here’s how it works,

1. Earn your Time Credits by volunteering with a Tempo partner organisation (like us!).
2. Log in to your Tempo online account and click to redeem your credits for available activities.
3. Search for activities by location and interest — in my case I looked for Cardiff Rugby or sports events.
4. Select the match and confirm your booking using your credits — it’s often as simple as an online voucher, booking code or email confirmation.

For the Cardiff Ruby match I just emailed the team at Cardiff Rugby, quoting my Tempo ID and they then booked two tickets for me and sent me the electronic tickets by return of email. It’s incredibly straightforward and that part always feels like a reward in itself!

Getting to Cardiff Arms Park

If you haven’t been before, Cardiff Arms Park sits right in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre, next to the iconic Principality Stadium, so it’s super easy to find! I took the train into Cardiff Central, and from there it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the ground.

There’s no match-day parking on site, but plenty of public transport options around, and a whole host of city centre car parks nearby if driving is your preference.

The Match Experience

There’s nothing like walking up the street towards the Arms Park on a match day. The atmosphere builds with every step — supporters in scarves and colours, families gathering, friends meeting up — you feel it before you even get in through the gates.

To get into the card I just had to show my electronic ticket at the turnstile and have the QR code scanned. There are lots of staff onsite who can show you the way if you haven’t been before.

Then the game kicks off — and what a spectacle it was! Cardiff Rugby against Racing 92, two teams giving everything in front of a buzzing crowd. Being there live with the roar of supporters, the tension of pivotal plays and the thrill of big hits — well, it reminded me why live sport really matters.

Half-Time… Food and Drinks! Final Score

Half-time at the Arms Park is a highlight in itself. There are plenty of refreshment options on offer — from classic match-day favourites like hot pies, burgers and chips, to coffee and snacks. There are also bars and stands inside and outside the ground where you can grab a drink and chat with fellow fans.

Whether you’re catching up with friends about the first-half action or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a great chance to relax before the second half.

Final Score

Cardiff took a huge stride towards the Challenge Cup knockouts with a determined, 32-13, bonus-point home win over Racing 92 in front of a buzzing Arms Park crowd.

Why I Love Tempo Time Credits

Using Tempo Time Credits to go to a rugby match like that felt brilliant. Not only do you get rewarded for giving back — you can try new things, and share those experiences with friends or family. Whether it’s sport, theatre, or a day out somewhere new, Tempo opens so many doors!

Ready to Get Involved?

If you’ve not signed up yet, now’s a great time. Join the Tempo Time Credit network, start volunteering, and start racking up credits! Head to wearetempo.org to sign up, browse opportunities, and see where your credits can take you next.

Let’s get out there, try new things, and make some memories — thanks to Tempo!