Experience Glamorgan

Millennium Stadium

January 19th, 2007

The Millennium Stadium (Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm) in Cardiff is the national stadium of Wales, used primarily for rugby union and football home internationals. It was the largest Stadium in the United Kingdom with a capacity of 74,500, but relinquished this distinction when Old Trafford’s extension was completed in 2006. Twickenham Stadium, the home of the England national rugby union team now holds the record, with its expansion to 82,000 seats. The Millennium Stadium is owned by Millennium Stadium plc which is a subsidiary company owned by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Since it’s opening in June 1999, the Millennium Stadium has welcomed over 1.3 Million visitors per year. With the first retractable roof in the UK, the Stadium is a multi-purpose, all round venue. With a UEFA 5-Star rating, it has quickly established itself as a world class venue and is now the home of five major sporting bodies: The Welsh Rugby Union, The Football Association, The Football League, The Football Association of Wales and the British Speedway Association.

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 …

History

The stadium was built in 1999 on the site of the old National Stadium, in Cardiff Arms Park. It was built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, for which Wales was the main host. It was home to many of the matches, including the final.

The construction cost the WRU £126 million, which was considered remarkably low for a state-of-the-art stadium. This was funded by private investment, £46 million of public funds from the National Lottery, the sale of debentures to supporters (which offered guaranteed tickets in exchange for an interest-free loan), and loans. The development left the WRU heavily in debt.

The Millennium Stadium was first used for a major event on June 26, 1999, when Wales played South Africa in a friendly rugby match. Wales won the match 29-19: the first time they had ever beaten the Springboks.

Entry Filed under: Places to visit in Glamorgan, Millennium Stadium