Parc y Scarlets

Parc y Scarlets stands on the eastern edge of Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, replacing the old Stradey Park after nearly 130 years. The stadium sits near the former Trostre tin plate works in Pemberton, a site chosen in 2004 for its space and access. It opened in November 2008 as the new home of the Scarlets and Llanelli RFC, ending a long tradition at Stradey Park. The complex includes a training barn, an athletics track and a retail park to support non-matchday income. It has also hosted under-21 and senior Wales football teams, Llanelli Town A.F.C. in European matches and Swansea City A.F.C. reserves for a season. The stadium was designed by The Miller Partnership, the architects behind Murrayfield Stadium. Its curved stands give clear sightlines from every seat, with the main stand on the south side holding the club shop, museum and sports bar called The Heart and Soul. Outside the main entrance is the Ray Gravell Legends Walkway, paved with bricks naming every Llanelli RFC and Scarlets player capped by Wales. A statue of Ray Gravell stands nearby, while other areas honour figures like Ken Jones, Carwyn James and Phil Bennett. The first Scarlets match drew 9,000 fans, and the official opening saw a win over the Barbarians. Visitors walk past the Legends Walkway to enter through the main stand, where the Ken Jones Museum displays rugby memorabilia. The Heart and Soul bar offers food and drink with views into the stadium, while the players’ gym and changing rooms lie just beyond the ticket office. The pitch is surrounded by gently curving stands that bring the crowd close to the action. Outside, the Gravell statue overlooks the entrance, and the wider complex includes shops and training facilities open on non-match days. The stadium’s design keeps the focus on rugby while welcoming football and community use.