Origins & Design
Inaugurated on 26 June 1999 as the Millennium Stadium for the Rugby World Cup, this Cardiff landmark replaced the old National Stadium. Featuring the UK’s first fully retractable roof and a striking north–south alignment, it set a new standard in multipurpose venue design.
Architectural Highlights
- Retractable steel roof spanning 193 metres
- Capacity: 73 931 (rugby), expandable to 78 000 for boxing
- Bligh Lobb Sports Architecture & WS Atkins engineering
Milestones
- Hosted 1999 Rugby World Cup final
- UEFA Champions League Final 2017
- Football matches at London 2012 Olympics
Two-Phase Redevelopment
With the venue now over 25 years old, the Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled a two-phase plan to modernise hospitality, improve fan amenities and extend the stadium’s lifespan for the next quarter-century.
Phase 1: Hospitality & Events
- Global procurement for new partner
- Upgraded lounges, suites and concourses
- Enhanced digital ticketing & wayfinding
Phase 2: Strategic Expansion
- Targeted seat-block upgrades
- New fan zones & flexible event spaces
- Solar panels on roof to reduce carbon footprint
Features & Fan Experience
Comfort & Accessibility
- 124 executive suites & private viewing boxes
- Dedicated accessible seating and refuge areas
- Wide concourses & improved sightlines
Technology
- High-definition video screens around bowl
- Stadium-wide Wi-Fi & 4G/5G connectivity
- Contactless payments and mobile app integration
Retractable Roof
- Fully opens in under 20 minutes
- Weather-proof events all year round
- Acoustic enhancements for concerts
Major Events & Culture
From rugby’s grandest finals to chart-topping concerts, Principality Stadium pulses with activity year-round. It’s staged FA Cup and Champions League finals, European rugby showpieces and global tours from U2 to Beyoncé.
Transport & Access
On-Site Facilities
- 5000-space multi-storey car park
- Electric-vehicle charging bays
- Coach and taxi drop-off zones
Public Transit
- Cardiff Central station: 10-minute walk
- City Bus: routes 1, 4, 6 & BayCar
- Future: expanded Metro stops nearby
Green Ambitions
- Solar panel array on retractable roof
- LED pitch and concourse lighting
- Rainwater harvesting for landscaping
- Zero-to-landfill waste programme
FAQs
What is the seating capacity?
Up to 73 931 for rugby and 78 000 for alternative configurations.
When did it open?
26 June 1999, for the Rugby World Cup.
What makes its roof special?
It’s one of Europe’s first fully retractable stadium roofs, closing in 20 minutes.
How much will the redevelopment cost?
Exact figures are being finalised; WRU aims to leverage private partnerships alongside capital reserves.
How to reach the stadium?
Cardiff Central rail station is a short walk; multiple bus routes and dedicated match-day services operate.