Previously known as the Millennium Stadium, the Principality Stadium is the national stadium of Wales. Although best known as the home of the Welsh national rugby team, this stadium also regularly plays hosts to music superstars. Built as a replacement for the National Stadium which didn’t have the capacity or facilities for large events, the Principality Stadium opened in 1999 with an international rugby match – the first time that the Welsh team beat South Africa.
With capacity for over 73,000 fans, a variety of layouts and a retractable roof, this all-seater stadium hosts a huge variety of large scale events. From local lads done good, the Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics to international stars, like Madonna and Beyoncé, they’ve all played this stadium. As well as sports heroes and music superstars, the stadium also plays host to a resident hawk named Dad. Be sure to look up when you visit to see if you can spot him driving seagulls and pigeons out of the stadium. Want to find out more about what you’ll discover on your visit? Explore our guide to Cardiff’s newest stadium on the block. And be sure to check out the Premier Inn nearby that will make sure you have a great time at the Principality Stadium.
Principality Stadium
Principality Stadium
Principality Stadium
Essential Information
The best loved Welsh sporting stadium, it’s not surprising that a lot of the Principality’s calendar involves rugby, but it’s also hosted everything from Speedway racing to Songs of Praise. Concerts have been held in the stadium since the venue was first opened in 1999 and a drape curtain was installed that allows the venue to adapt to four different layouts. International pop sensations and rock stars that have made the most of the stadium’s technology have included The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, U2, Madonna, Beyoncé and Rihanna. Check out the stadium’s website to find out what will be on during your stay.
Facilities
As well as offering sporting spectacles and star-studded concerts, the Stadium also has some great facilities for its visitors. Read about them here, along with other important information to help you plan your trip.
Important information
The centre’s box office opening hours vary depending on whether it’s show night or not. If there’s a performance that day, the ticket and information desk is open Monday to Sunday, 10am until 30 minutes after the show starts. If there is no show that day the desk is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. If you want to book tickets or ask any questions over the phone, you can contact the desk on 029 2063 6464. The phone line is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm if there’s no performance that night. If there is a show, the lines close at 7pm Monday to Saturday, or 4 hours before the performance on Sundays.
Layout
As you’d expect from a large stadium, the Principality has a number of entry gates. Be sure to check out the seat, block, aisle and entry gate printed on your ticket before you head into the stadium, to make your entrance as easy and straightforward as possible. If you’re unsure about where to go once you’re inside the stadium, you’ll find plenty of stewards on hand to help you find your seat. Wherever you’re sitting, there are plenty of toilets, bars, merchandise stands and other facilities nearby in the different fanzones.
Conference Facilities
Not just one of the world's greatest sporting arenas, the Principality Stadium is also one of Cardiff's best equipped conference venues. And you don't have be an international rugby player to enjoy the great hospitality on offer here. With six large lounges and 113 hospitality suites, the stadium can cater for all kinds of occasions. From Christmas parties to team building days, product launches to bespoke dinners, and lots more in between, you’ll find onsite catering, lots of room options, office rentals and everything else you could possibly need to make sure your conference or event goes smoothly.
Accessibility
The Principality Stadium was designed with the independence of its visitors in mind. There are a number of disabled car parking spaces available, which can be reserved in advance. The access to the stadium is across level plazas with no steps and no ramps steeper than 1:20. You’ll find refreshment facilities and disabled toilets on each level and stewards ready to offer directions. If you have any questions about your visit, it’s best to contact the box office to let them know, so any special arrangements that can be made in advance of your arrival.
Top Tip
If you want to walk in the studded footsteps of your rugby heroes or see where music superstars get ready to take to the stage, then why not take a tour of the stadium? The Principality offers a mini or full tour of the stadium, a rugby legends tour and even a Santa tour at Christmas. Prices range from £12.50 for an adult and £9 for children, while under 5s go for free. If there are a few of you going, then it’s worth considering family and group ticket discounts. Find out more on the stadium’s website.
Eating and Drinking
Feeling peckish before show time? Want to grab a drink before kick off? You’ll have no trouble finding something tasty to eat or something refreshing to drink at the Principality Stadium. If you want to continue the evening after your event, you’ll also find lots of restaurants and bars nearby ready to cater for you.
When the stadium opens for show time or match day, you’ll find 16 food outlets with 900 catering staff ready and raring to take your order. With a choice of all your fast food favourites - from pizza to hot dogs - and the speedy service you need in a large venue, you can enjoy a bite to eat with plenty of pre-show buzz at the Principality Stadium.
Feel like something more substantial? Located in the centre of the city, you’ll find lots of places near the stadium where you can sit down to a meal. For hearty soups, delicious cheese and meat platters and some tasty desserts, we’d recommend taking the five-minute walk from the stadium to Madame Fromage on Castle Arcade.
You’re not allowed to take any drinks into the stadium - even water - but don’t worry there are plenty of places you can get a drink. With over 77,000 pints of beer being poured on a typical match day, the Principality Stadium knows how to keep its fans’ thirsts quenched. Head to one of the stadium's 34 bars to experience their "joy machines". These taps can pour 12 pints in less than 20 seconds, so you won’t have to rush back to your seat for show time.
Want to keep the evening going after your event? There are plenty of bars nearby ready to keep your glasses filled. At Tiny Rebel, you’ll have your pick of craft beers, while Bar 44 offers some tasty tapas served with a large glass of wine.
Near the Principality Stadium
Situated on the east bank of the River Taff, in the heart of the city, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy near the Principality Stadium. Head north to explore Cardiff Castle, with its Roman ruins, medieval keep and the opulent apartments of its Gothic palace. Or step into one of the UK's largest and most beautiful green spaces, Bute Park. Here you’ll find a world-famous arboretum, plenty of walking trails and lots of great picnicking spots. Sporty types should definitely cross the Millennium Bridge into Sophia Gardens. With the SWALEC cricket stadium, the National Sports Centre for Wales and a choice of sporting fields, you’ll find lots to do in this city centre park.
Getting to the Principality Stadium
As you’d expect from the national stadium of Wales, the Principality is located in the heart of the city with lots of nearby transport options.
By car
The Principality Stadium doesn’t have its own car park, but if you’re arriving by car you’ll find plenty of parking options in the city. The nearest car park is in Quay Street, which is opposite Gate 3. Be sure to check the stadium’s website for travel information as there may be road closures in place for an event. If this is the case, a Park & Ride facility will be available.
By bus
Cardiff Central Bus Station is located next to the Central Railway Station, a quick five minutes’ walk to the Principality Stadium. Hop off your bus to leave the station and bear left along Wood Street for Gates 5, 6 and 7, or bear right along Wood Street to Westgate Street and Gates 4, 3, 2. If you continue you’ll arrive at Gate 1 on Castle Street.
By train
Jump off the train at Cardiff Central Railway Station and you’ll have a short five-minute walk to the stadium. Leave by the station’s main entrance on the north side and bear left at the exit for Gates 5, 6 and 7 or go straight ahead to Westgate Street for Gates 4, 3, and 2, continuing to Castle Street for Gate 1.