Millennium Stadium is Wales' flagship sporting venue situated
right in the heart of Cardiff.
Millennium Stadium was built in 1999 to host the Rugby World
Cup final.
Unlike stadiums in other cities, this imposing structure
is located right in the centre of town. It's one of the first
thing you see when you arrive at the station and it has become
a definite landmark in Cardiff.
It has a capacity of 72,500 and the roof of the new structure
is retractable and will make the venue much less prone to
problems caused by bad weather.
Millennium Stadium was built on time and under budget for
£150 million, the stadium has suffered none of the problems
that have mired the new Wembley Stadium development and has
actually benefitted from Wembley's ongoing delays by being
the venue for all six of the English Football League's major
games including the prestigious FA Cup.
Millennium Stadium is the home of Welsh Rugby as it has risen
phoenix-like on the former site of the talismanic Cardiff
Arms Park.
As well as sporting events, the stadium is also a concert
venue and even a New Year's Party venue by closing its retractable
roof (largest in the world, apparently!)
The National Stadium has in the past played
host to much more than just rugby, with many a packed house
for concerts performend by such stars a Michael Jackson, REM
and U2, as well as other sporting events including Boxing
and Soccer. To mark the Millennium over 60,000 people attended
a concert by the Manic Street Preachers and the following
day 65,000 attended the largest ever Songs of Praise.
It is arguably the best Stadium in the UK
now, although future developments in London
could put pay to that status.
Since hosting the spectacular Rugby World
Cup in 1999, it seems that each month brings yet another memorable
event; the FA Cup Final, the Carling Cup Final, the British
Speedway Grand Prix, and many outstanding concerts with excellent
performances from the following artists: The Manic Street
Preachers, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams and The
Stereophonics - the list just grows and grows.
The stadium does a guided tour so even if
there is no event on when you visit, you can still soak up
the atmosphere.
Opening Timings
Stadium Tour Times:
Mon - Sat: 10:00 - 17:00
Sun & Bank Holidays:
10:00 - 16:00
