Principality Stadium, officially named Millennium Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Cardiff, Wales. It is used mostly for association football and rugby matches, hosting the home games of the Welsh National Football and Rugby teams, its owner.
Opened on 26 June 1999 with a friendly match between Wales and South Africa, it replaced the National Stadium, which had 53,000 seats. The seating capacity of the new stadium is currently set at 74,500. The stadium was designed by Populous (formerly HOK Sport Venue Event) and had a construction cost of £121 million.
A UEFA category four stadium and one of the biggest stadiums by capacity in Europe (the biggest in Wales), Principality Stadium hosted several matches of the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final, as well as the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup. It was elected the most beautiful stadium of Europe in a 2016 online poll by L'Équipe. By its twentieth birthday, Principality Stadium had welcomed more than 20 million spectators. The stadium is one of the potential venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Wales hopes to co-host along with England, Scotland, and Ireland.
While the official name of the stadium is the 'Principality Stadium', it is also commonly referred to as the Millennium Stadium. This is because it was originally built to host the Rugby World Cup in 1999, marking the turn of the millennium. The Principality Stadium is located in the city centre of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. It is the national stadium of Wales and is owned and operated by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). The stadium was built on the site of the National Stadium, which was demolished in 1997 to make way for the new structure. The Principality Stadium is the second-largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof and was the second stadium in Europe to have this feature.
The stadium was named the Millennium Stadium until 2016 when the WRU entered a 10-year sponsorship deal with the Principality Building Society, leading to the change in name. Despite the official name change, many locals and rugby fans worldwide still refer to it as the Millennium Stadium. The stadium has a seating capacity of 74,500 and is primarily used for rugby union matches, although it has also hosted football matches, boxing events, and concerts. The stadium's construction marked a turning point in the regeneration of Cardiff city centre, contributing to the city's status as a major European capital.
The design of the Principality Stadium is significant for its use of four large masts, reaching 93 meters high, which support the retractable roof. This design allows for an unobstructed view for all spectators, regardless of their location in the stadium. The roof can be opened in 20 minutes and is generally opened for rugby matches, depending on the weather. The stadium also features a removable pitch, which can be taken out and stored in an adjacent area, allowing the stadium to host a variety of events without damaging the playing surface. The stadium is also notable for its accessibility features, including 168 wheelchair spaces and a hearing enhancement system for spectators with hearing difficulties.
The Principality Stadium has hosted numerous notable events since its opening. In addition to being the home of Welsh rugby, the stadium hosted the FA Cup Final from 2001 to 2006 while Wembley Stadium was being rebuilt. It also hosted matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, including two quarter-final matches. The stadium has hosted concerts by many famous artists, including Madonna, U2, and The Rolling Stones. The stadium also has a long history of hosting boxing events, including the 2017 heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam.
A suitable location, with excellent accessibility and sufficient space for future expansion, was identified in the heart of Cardiff city centre. The new stadium, situated near the River Taff, is known as the 'Principality Stadium Cardiff'.
The stadium is owned and operated by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), who aimed to have full control over the stadium and its surrounding area. The initial lease was made on municipal terrains, with a final buy-out occurring only in 1999. The concept for the sports complex was envisioned as early as the late 1980s by architect Rod Sheard.
Driven by the then WRU's president, Vernon Pugh, the union members coped with an increased fee for supporting the building costs for the new stadium, offered large donations, and some even volunteered on the construction site during holidays or weekends. There was even a 'steel campaign', whereby large quantities of steel were donated to the union.
The construction officially began on 26 June 1997. Less than two years later, at a cost of £121 million, on 26 June 1999 (a national holiday), a 74,500-capacity crowd filled the stadium for the inaugural match against South Africa.
The Principality Stadium Cardiff is a marvel of modern architecture and engineering. Its fully retractable roof, the first of its kind in the UK, ensures games can be played in perfect conditions all year round. The stadium is also equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and giant screens to enhance the spectator experience.
The stadium is not just used for rugby matches. It has also played host to numerous other sporting events, including football matches, boxing events, and motorsports. It has also been the venue for many music concerts, featuring some of the world's biggest acts. From a logistical standpoint, the stadium's city centre location makes it easily accessible by public transport, and there is also plenty of parking available in the vicinity.
Despite its relatively short history, the Principality Stadium Cardiff has already established itself as one of the premier sporting venues in the world. Its iconic status is a testament to the vision of its creators and the passion of the Welsh people.
'Principality Stadium (1999)': Detailed information about the Principality Stadium, its construction, and its history. www.wru.co.uk
'Principality Stadium (The Cathedral of Welsh Rugby) – since 1999': Comprehensive overview of the Principality Stadium, its features, and the events it has hosted. stadiumdb.com
'The Principality does not fade', Preface, Prime Books, 2003: A book offering an in-depth look at the Principality Stadium and its significance in Welsh culture. www.primebooks.net
'Welsh Rugby Union 100 glorious years - The History 1', Edition and Contents, S.A., 2003: A historical record of the Welsh Rugby Union, with significant focus on the Principality Stadium. www.wru.co.uk
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