Principality Stadium, still called the Millennium Stadium by many locals, is Wales’ national stadium on Westgate Street in central Cardiff. It hosts Welsh rugby and football matches, major concerts and other large events. For a match, the singing crowd and retractable roof create a memorable setting; at a concert, the roof can help the venue feel more enclosed and the sound carry. If there is no event during your visit, a guided tour takes you behind the scenes, including the players’ tunnel and dressing rooms.
A central venue for Welsh sport
Principality Stadium opened in 1999 for the Rugby World Cup, with the opening match and final played in Cardiff. It was built on the site of the former Cardiff Arms Park and is home to Welsh rugby. The Wales national football team has also played there, alongside visiting teams and major sporting events.
Its Westgate Street address puts the stadium in the centre of the city. The venue has a capacity of 74,500 and hosts concerts as well as sport. On international rugby match days, the event reaches beyond the stands: the surrounding streets fill with supporters, and singing carries across the city centre. If you want to experience Cardiff at full match-day volume, a Wales home fixture is a strong reason to plan around an event.
The roof and the sound
The stadium has a fully retractable roof, which can close over the seating and pitch. At matches and concerts, that enclosed setting can change the feel of the crowd and the sound. Concertgoers have noted that a closed roof makes the space feel more like an indoor arena, while the venue’s lighting and pre-show entertainment add to the event atmosphere.
The stadium is used for more than rugby: its event history includes football finals, international matches, concerts and large fitness competitions. What is on during your visit depends on the calendar, so check the official website for current events and tour information before making plans.
What to see on a guided tour
A guided tour gives you access to areas normally used by players and event staff. The route can include the home and away dressing rooms, press conference suite, players’ tunnel and hospitality areas such as the President’s Box. The tunnel offers a sense of the walk players make towards the pitch; in the dressing rooms, you can see where teams prepare before a match. Tours also explain the stadium’s history and retractable roof.
Allow about 40 minutes for the tour. Availability can be affected by matches and other events, so check before travelling. The stadium also has exhibitions connected with Welsh culture, giving the visit context beyond the building itself.
Planning your visit
For an event, arrive with time to find your entrance and seat. Signage around the venue helps with navigation, and visitors have found staff helpful. Queues can form, including for stairs leading to the toilets, so getting there early can make moving around easier. The venue has accessible seating, an accessible entrance and accessible toilets.
Food and drink are sold inside during events, but prices have been described as higher than those outside, and the range or service can differ by event. Check event information in advance, particularly if you need specific arrangements. If there is no match, concert or tour during your stay, you can still view the stadium from the surrounding streets; it is also visible from across the River Taff.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Principality Stadium?
It is on Westgate Street in central Cardiff, CF10 1NS.
How long does a stadium tour take?
A tour takes around 40 minutes. Check in advance because tours may not run before match or event days.
What can you see on a Principality Stadium tour?
Tour highlights can include the home and away dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, press conference suite and President’s Box.
Does Principality Stadium have a retractable roof?
Yes. The stadium has a fully retractable roof that can close over the venue.
