Millennium Stadium

The Principality Stadium stands in central Cardiff on the site of the former Cardiff Arms Park. It replaced the National Stadium in 1999 to host the Rugby World Cup and remains the national stadium of Wales. Designed by Bligh Lobb Sports Architecture, the building has a retractable roof and seats 73,931 spectators. The stadium replaced older structures including the Wales Empire Pool and Cardiff Empire Telephone Exchange. A new riverside walk was created along the River Taff to improve access. The stadium is home to the Wales national rugby union team and has hosted major events beyond sport. It welcomed the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final and football finals during Wembley’s redevelopment. The venue also staged the Tsunami Relief Cardiff concert and stages of the Wales Rally Great Britain. Its sliding roof made it the second in Europe to offer full enclosure for multi-purpose use. The stadium’s construction cost £121 million, partly funded by the Millennium Commission. Inside, the stadium offers wide concourses and tiered seating arranged north to south. The pitch sits below ground level to allow the roof to close completely. Visitors find modern facilities alongside views across Cardiff. The surrounding area includes the relocated Cardiff RFC ground and riverside paths. The stadium remains a focal point for major concerts and sporting occasions in Wales.