Millennium Stadium

{{see also|National Stadium, Cardiff|Cardiff Arms Park}}

Until 1969, Cardiff RFC and Wales both played their home matches on the same pitch at Cardiff Arms Park, but all this changed in the 1969–70 season.{{cite journal |last=Harris CBE LLD (Hons) |first=Kenneth M |title=The Story of the Development of the National Rugby Ground 7 April 1984 |year=1984 |publisher=Welsh Rugby Union }} As a result of an agreement between Cardiff Athletic Club and the WRU, the National Stadium project established that a new stadium for international matches and events was required, with Cardiff RFC moving to a new, purpose-built stadium on the original cricket ground at the site of the former Cardiff Arms Park stadium. By 7 April 1984 the National Stadium was officially opened. However, in 1994, a committee was set up to consider redeveloping the National Stadium, and by 1995 the WRU had been chosen to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

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| caption2 = The remaining North Stand of the National Stadium, which would form the North Stand of the Millennium Stadium

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In 1995, the National Stadium, which was designed in 1962, only had a capacity of 53,000; other nations' stadia, such as Twickenham (England) with a capacity of 75,000, and Murrayfield Stadium (Scotland) with a capacity of 67,000, had overtaken it. France was also about to build the Stade de France, which would have a capacity of more than 80,000 for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The original capacity of the National Stadium was 65,000, but this had been reduced to 53,000, due to the Taylor Report. 11,000 of 53,000 capacity was on the East Terrace and the conversion to an all-seater stadium would have reduced the stadium capacity still further to just 47,500.

In addition to the problems of capacity, the National Stadium was also very well hidden by the neighbouring buildings to the south in Park Street, Wood Street and to the east in Westgate Street, and also by Cardiff Rugby Ground in the north. It was only fully visible from across the River Taff in the west. Access to the ground was also very restricted with the main entrance being a narrow opening in Westgate Street to the east which was shared by both vehicles and spectators alike.{{cite web |url=http://www.panstadia.com/vol3/33-022.htm |publisher=PanStadia International |title=In the heart of the city |access-date=24 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201100708/http://www.panstadia.com/vol3/33-022.htm |archive-date=1 December 2008 }}

The options for the new stadium included adding a third tier to the existing National Stadium, or moving to a new site. This last option was discounted because it would have required a vast car parking facility, and that would have put severe short-term pressures on the local transport infrastructure, creating traffic jams and pollution. The committee eventually chose a new stadium on the same site but with considerable increase in its capacity. It would also involve moving the alignment of the stadium from west–east to north–south. This was the option supported by the Millennium Commission. It would become the fourth redevelopment of the Cardiff Arms Park site.{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/3473_3557.php |publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=About Millennium Stadium |access-date=24 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009115105/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/3473_3557.php |archive-date=9 October 2007 }} It was also decided that the new stadium should have a sliding roof to accommodate a multi-use venue, with a grass pitch for rugby and football. The only other sliding roofs in Europe at the time were at two Dutch stadia – the Amsterdam Arena, completed in 1996 with a capacity of 50,000; and Gelredome in Arnhem, a 30,000-capacity ground built from 1996 to 1998.{{cite web|url=http://www.alynia-architecten.nl/index.php?menu=projecten&pt=3&pr=16&offset=0 |title=Projecten: Gelredome, Arnhem |publisher=Alynia Architecten |language=nl |access-date=15 February 2009}}

To remain on the Arms Park site, additional space had to be found to allow safe access and to provide room for the increased capacity and improved facilities. This was achieved by the purchase of adjacent buildings to the south and east and by the construction of a new £6 million River Walk by the River Taff on the western side of the stadium.

By 1999, the Millennium Stadium had replaced the National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park, as the national stadium of Wales for rugby union and association football international matches. Cardiff RFC continued as before to play at Cardiff Arms Park rugby ground, which had replaced the cricket ground in 1969.{{cite web |url=http://site.cardiff-rfc.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=68 |publisher=Cardiff RFC|title=CRFC History |access-date=27 August 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514151123/http://site.cardiff-rfc.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=68 |archive-date=14 May 2008}}

{{multiple image |align=right |caption_align=center |direction=horizontal |header=The Millennium Stadium during construction |image1=Cardiff Millennium Stadium, under construction.jpg |width1=199 |caption1=West Stand |image2=Construction of Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.jpg |width2=185 |caption2=West Stand (left)
and the North Stand (right) |image3=Construction of the Millennium Stadium 2.jpg |width3=92 |caption3=BT Stand}}

The stadium was designed by a team led by Rod Sheard at Lobb Sport Architecture,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/2894577.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Ascot set for switch|access-date=1 October 2010 |date=28 March 2003 }} who later merged with HOK Sport to become Populous. The building contractor was Laing and the structural engineers were WS Atkins. Mike Otlet of WS Atkins designed the stadium's retractable roof,{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/sites/concentration/getyourkiton/pages/mike_otlet.shtml|publisher=BBC |title=Ascot set for switch|access-date=1 October 2010}} which was constructed by Kelsey Roofing Industries.{{cite news |title=Roof falls in on stricken Kelsey |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/roof-falls-in-on-stricken-kelsey-27-01-2005/ |publisher=Construction News |date=27 January 2005 |access-date=1 June 2022 }} Cimolai S.p.A. from Italy fabricated and erected the 72 steel plane frames for the stands and all the 4,500 components of the roof.{{cite web |url=http://www.cranestodaymagazine.com/story.asp?storyCode=1084§ioncode=66 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121042550/http://www.cranestodaymagazine.com/story.asp?storyCode=1084§ioncode=66 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 January 2013 |publisher=cranestodaymagazine |title=Up for the cup |first=Adrian |last=Greeman |access-date=5 May 2012 }}

File:Millennium Stadium Cardiff map copy.jpg

Construction involved the demolition of a number of buildings, primarily the existing National Stadium (Cardiff Arms Park), Wales Empire Pool (swimming pool) in Wood Street, Cardiff Empire Telephone Exchange building (owned by BT) in Park Street, the newly built Territorial Auxiliary & Volunteer Reserve building in Park Street, and the Social Security offices in Westgate Street.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/436549.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Two years – and one awesome stadium |access-date=24 August 2008 |date=2 September 1999 }}

The stadium was built by Laing in 1999 on the site of the National Stadium, with the head of construction being Steve Ager.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/442978.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Cardiff stadium 'financial disaster'|access-date=28 August 2008 |date=9 September 1999}} It was built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, for which Wales was the main host, with seven of the 41 matches, including the final, being played at the stadium.

The total construction cost of the stadium was £121 million,{{cite web |url=http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=3880 |publisher=Cardiff Council |title=The Economic Impact of the Millennium Stadium |access-date=7 September 2008 |archive-date=26 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926220703/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=3880 |url-status=dead }} which was funded by private investment and £46 million of public funds from the Millennium Commission,{{cite web |url=http://www.millennium.gov.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1517 |publisher=Millennium Commission |title=Millennium projects open in Wales and Northern Ireland |access-date=24 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203130211/http://www.millennium.gov.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1517 |archive-date=3 February 2009 }} 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.

File:Cardiff MMB 34 Millennium Stadium.jpg

The Millennium Stadium was named as such in recognition of the Millennium Commission's contribution to the building.{{cite news|url=http://www.itv.com/news/2015-09-08/principality-buys-naming-rights-for-millennium-stadium/ |title=Principality buys naming rights for Millennium Stadium |work=ITV News |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=24 January 2016}}

The stadium was first used for a major event on 26 June 1999, when Wales played South Africa in a rugby union test match before a crowd of 29,000. Wales won 29–19: the first time they had ever beaten the Springboks.{{cite web |url=https://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Sport&F=1&id=7122 |title=Millennium Stadium celebrates fifth anniversary |date=25 June 2004|publisher=NewsWales|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828235848/https://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Sport&F=1&id=7122|archive-date=28 August 2004|url-status=dead}}

On 8 September 2015 it was announced that the Millennium Stadium would be renamed Principality Stadium as the result of a 10-year naming rights deal with the Principality Building Society. Some fans expressed opposition on social media.{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Cary |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11852123/Millenium-Stadium-to-be-renamed-Principality-Stadium-next-year-in-significant-deal-for-Wales-Rugby-Union.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11852123/Millenium-Stadium-to-be-renamed-Principality-Stadium-next-year-in-significant-deal-for-Wales-Rugby-Union.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Millenium {{sic|hide=y}} Stadium to be renamed Principality Stadium next year in 'significant' deal for Wales Rugby Union |work=The Telegraph |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=12 February 2016}}{{cbignore}}

On 22 January 2016, the Millennium Stadium was officially renamed as the Principality Stadium.{{cite news |first=Ruth |last=Mosalski |title=It's almost time to say goodbye to the Millennium Stadium as Principality Stadium goes up in lights |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/its-time-say-goodbye-millennium-10770578 |work=Wales Online |date=21 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 }} The new name, written bilingually ("Stadiwm Principality Stadium") and covering {{convert|114|m2|sqft}} of the upper stadium, was lit up at a special evening ceremony, to be followed by a festival to encourage grassroots rugby.{{cite news |first=Ruth |last=Mosalski |work=South Wales Echo |title=End of an era as home of Welsh rugby renamed |page=26 |date=22 January 2016 }} The change of name also meant a change of logo for the Millennium Stadium. There were three designs shortlisted, and a panel, which included the former Wales international captain Ryan Jones and staff and members of the WRU and Principality Building Society, chose the final design.{{cite magazine |title=Cardiff's Millennium Stadium rebrands as Principality Stadium |url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/cardiffs-millennium-stadium-rebrands-as-principality-stadium/ |magazine=Design Week |access-date=30 January 2016 }} A spokesperson for the WRU said: "The new stadium logo takes its inspiration from the venue's iconic architecture; four spires, curved frontage and fully retractable roof."

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The all-seater stadium has the capacity for 74,500 supporters and features a retractable roof, only the second stadium of its type in Europe, and the largest football stadium in the world with this feature, by capacity.{{cite web|url=http://www.britannia.com/celtic/wales/facts/facts7.html|publisher=Britannia.com|title=Fact About Wales and the Welsh (40. Cardiff has the world's largest retractable-roof arena)|access-date=7 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011090450/http://www.britannia.com/celtic/wales/facts/facts7.html|archive-date=11 October 2008|url-status=dead}} Additional seating is sometimes added for special events such as a rugby Test against the New Zealand All Blacks, or for the FA Cup Final. The current record attendance is set at just over 78,000, recorded at the Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam fight, on 28 October 2017, in which Joshua successfully retained his WBA, IBF and IBO titles.

The natural grass turf was made up of a modular system installed by GreenTech ITM.{{cite web |url=http://www.greentechitm.com/project/default.asp?fpID=4A89B3AD-54F5-472C-BC95-D96C9DE3CAA5 |publisher=GreenTech |title=Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales |access-date=24 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004062353/http://www.greentechitm.com/project/default.asp?fpID=4A89B3AD-54F5-472C-BC95-D96C9DE3CAA5 |archive-date=4 October 2008 }} It features built in irrigation and drainage. The pitch itself was laid on top of some 7,412 pallets that could be moved so the stadium could be used for concerts, exhibitions and other events.{{cite web|url=http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid=8302.html |publisher=Fat Pig Productions CC |title=Cardiff pioneers new turf |access-date=24 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920050452/http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid%3D8302.html |archive-date=20 September 2008 |url-status=dead }}

In May 2014, after much trouble with disease and stability, the surface was removed and replaced with a more resilient interwoven sand based Desso pitch.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/27546326 | title=Millennium Stadium to have new hybrid surface | date=23 May 2014 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=23 January 2016}}

The four ends of the ground are called the North Stand, the West Stand, the South Stand and the BT Stand (east).{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/3473_3564.php|publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=Millennium Stadium Information (Millennium Stadium Seating Plan) |access-date=7 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603202622/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/3473_3564.php |archive-date=3 June 2007 }} The South Stand was previously known as the Hyder Stand,{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/cardiff2.htm|publisher=Liverpoolfc.tv |title=Hyder Stand South|access-date=7 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926140554/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/cardiff2.htm |archive-date=26 September 2006 }} until Hyder was sold. The stadium has three tiers of seating with the exception of the North Stand, which has two tiers. The lower tier holds 23,154 spectators, the middle tier holding 15,626 and the upper tier holding 35,151 spectators.

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Glanmor's Gap - the remaining section of the demolished National Stadium

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before a rugby union match

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The stadium was slightly restricted in size due to its proximity to Cardiff Rugby Club's home in the adjacent smaller stadium within Cardiff Arms Park. The WRU were unable to secure enough funding to include the North Stand in the new stadium and the Millennium Commission would not allow any of its funds to be used in any way for the construction of a new stadium for Cardiff RFC.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0BsU6JbpYAC&q=national+lottery+commission+Millennium+stadium+for+the+construction+of+the+club+ground.&pg=PR9|title=Stadia, Arenas and Grandstands By P. Thompson, J. J. A. Tolloczko, Jean Benedetti, J. N. Clarke, Concrete Society |access-date=4 September 2008 |isbn=978-0-419-24040-2 |date=18 June 1998|last1=Thompson |first1=P. |last2=Tolloczko |first2=J. |last3=Clarke |first3=N. |publisher=CRC Press }} The WRU held talks with Cardiff RFC to see if it would be possible for the club to either move or secure funding for the Cardiff Arms Park to be re-developed, but these were unsuccessful. The stadium thus had to be completed with a break in its bowl structure in the North Stand, known colloquially as Glanmor's Gap, after Glanmor Griffiths, then chairman of the WRU and now a former president.{{cite web |url=http://www.wru.co.uk/809_14159.php |publisher=Welsh Rugby Union |title=Presidents of the WRU |access-date=24 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907180036/http://wru.co.uk/809_14159.php |archive-date=7 September 2008 |url-status=dead }}

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| caption2 = Gatland's Gate, previously known as Gate 4 on Westgate Street.

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The superstructure of the stadium is based around four {{convert|90.3|m|adj=on}} masts. The stadium was built from 56,000 tonnes of concrete and steel, and has 124 hospitality suites and 7 hospitality lounges, 22 bars, 7 restaurants, 17 first aid points, 12 escalators and 7 lifts.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1100390.stm |publisher=BBC |title=BBC Sport Online's Mark Barden looks at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium |access-date=24 August 2008 |date=4 January 2001}} The stadium has 7 gates for access to the site; Gate 1 is from the River Walk via Castle Street (to the north), Gates 2 and 3 are via Westgate Street (to the east), Gate 4 which was renamed Gatland's Gate ({{langx|cy|Gât Gatland}}) in honour of Warren Gatland in November 2019, is for team-coaches, celebrity limousines and other uses via Westgate Street,{{cite news |url=https://www.wru.wales/2019/11/gatlands-gate-honour-for-warren/|publisher=Welsh Rugby Union|title=Gatland's Gate honour for Warren|date=29 Nov 2019|access-date=16 February 2024}} Gate 5 is via Park Street (to the south) and Gates 6 and 7 are via the Millennium Plaza (also to the south).{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/3473_3564.php|publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=Stadium Location Content |access-date=27 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603202622/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/3473_3564.php |archive-date=3 June 2007 }}

Any future renovation to the stadium will involve replacing the old North Stand of the former National Stadium with a new one similar to the three existing stands of the new Millennium Stadium. This will make the stadium bowl-shaped and will increase its capacity to around 80,000. It will resolve the existing problems of deteriorating concrete quality on the old structure in the north stand.{{cite news |first=Nathan |last=Bevan |title=Concrete cancer strikes stadium |url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/tm_headline=millennium-stadium-has-concrete-cancer%26method=full%26objectid=19422108%26siteid=50082-name_page.html |publisher=Wales on Sunday |date=8 July 2007|access-date=24 August 2007 }} However the WRU has been more resistant to the proposal in recent years, stating that the concrete has not been deteriorating in recent years meaning the cost of replacing Glanmor's Gap would not justify the limited increase in capacity it would provide.{{Cite news|date=29 July 2013|title=Stadium unlikely to build final tier|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-23493494|access-date=1 May 2020}}

In each of the stadium's bars, so-called "joy machines" can pour 12 pints in less than 20 seconds. During a Wales versus France match, 63,000 fans drank 77,184 pints of beer, almost double the 44,000 pints drunk by a similar number of fans at a game at Twickenham.{{cite web|url=http://www.visitwales.ie/upload/pdf/48hours.pdf|publisher=The Visitwales Centre|title=48 hours in Cardiff|access-date=24 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003102716/http://www.visitwales.ie/upload/pdf/48hours.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2008}} The stadium has a resident hawk named "Dad", who is employed to drive seagulls and pigeons out of the stadium.{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/197_9910.php |title=Millennium Stadium Hawk Takes A Break |date=22 March 2007 |publisher=Millennium Stadium |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007045907/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/197_9910.php |archive-date=7 October 2007 }}

In 2005 the stadium installed an "Arena Partition Drape System" – a {{convert|1,100|kg|lb|abbr=on}} black curtain made up of 12 drapes measuring {{convert|9|x|35|m|ft|abbr=on}} – to vary the audience from a capacity of over 73,000 down to between 12,000 and 46,000, depending on the four different positions that it can be hung. The curtains can be stored in the roof of the stadium when not in use. The £1 million cost of the curtain was funded by the stadium, the Millennium Commission, its caterers Letherby and Christopher (Compass Group) and by the then Wales Tourist Board.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4665427.stm|publisher=BBC |title=REM Bring Curtain Up on New Arena |date=11 July 2005|access-date=5 September 2010}} The curtain was supplied by Blackout.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackout-ltd.com/gallery/gallery11.html|publisher=Blackout|title=Gallery, Millennium Stadium Cardiff|access-date=5 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806181856/http://www.blackout-ltd.com/gallery/gallery11.html|archive-date=6 August 2010|url-status=dead}}

In May 2015, the chairman of the WRU, Gareth Davies, announced that the stadium would be fitted with new seats, replacing the original seats from 1999 at a cost of £4 million to £5 million, which would be completed by 2018. In addition a new £3.1 million Desso hybrid pitch will be{{update inline|date=July 2023}} installed.{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/welsh-rugby-union-spend-5m-9263122|work=WalesOnline|title=Welsh Rugby Union to spend £5m on new seats at 74,500 capacity Millennium Stadium |date=15 May 2015|access-date=1 July 2015}}

In February 2019, the stadium increased its disabled capacity from 168 to 214 at a cost of around £100,000. As a result, the overall capacity of the stadium was reduced from 74,500 to 73,931.

File:Tasker Watkins Statue, Millennium Stadium.jpg

A statue of Sir Tasker Watkins, the former WRU president between 1993 and 2004, was commissioned to stand outside Gate 3 of the stadium. The bronze statue, {{convert|9|ft|m}} tall, was sculpted by Llantwit Major based sculptor Roger Andrews. The Welsh Government contributed £50,000, as did Cardiff Council.{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/sir-tasker-statue-millennium-stadium-2159622|work=WalesOnline|title= Sir Tasker statue for Millennium Stadium |date=21 August 2008|access-date=16 November 2015}} It was officially unveiled on 15 November 2009 by his daughter, Lady Mair Griffith-Williams.{{cite news |url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/8343.php|publisher=Welsh Rugby Union|title=Sir Tasker Watkins Statue Unveiled |date=15 November 2009|access-date=16 November 2015}}

{{Main|List of events held at the Millennium Stadium}}

As well as international rugby union and association football, the Millennium Stadium has hosted a variety of sports, including, rugby league (including the Challenge Cup Final on three occasions between 2003 and 2005, the opening ceremony of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and Welsh Rugby League internationals), speedway, boxing, the Wales Rally Great Britain stage of the World Rally Championship, Monster Jam and indoor cricket. The indoor cricket match between The Brits and a Rest of the World team for the Pertemps Power Cricket Cup, which took place on 4 and 5 October 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/history/index.php |publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=History of the Millennium Stadium |access-date=27 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608155032/https://www.millenniumstadium.com/history/index.php |archive-date=8 June 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.chippingsodburycc.co.uk/cricket-news/power-cricket-to-return,111.htm |publisher=Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club |title=Power Cricket To Return To Millennium Stadium in 2003 |access-date=27 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820210913/http://www.chippingsodburycc.co.uk/cricket-news/power-cricket-to-return,111.htm |archive-date=20 August 2008 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pertemps.co.uk/content/news0209 |publisher=Pertemps |title=Pertemps sponsors international cricket |access-date=27 November 2009 |archive-date=23 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223044625/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/content/news0209 |url-status=dead }}

File:Millennium Stadium 2008 Wales Vs Scotland.jpg and Scotland match in the 2008 Six Nations Championship]]

The stadium is the home of the Welsh rugby union team, who play all of their home fixtures at the venue. These games include those during the Six Nations, as well as the Autumn Internationals against nations from the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from the national team, the stadium has also hosted the European Rugby Champions Cup finals on six occasions. In total, the site, including the National Stadium, has hosted the final of the European Rugby Champions Cup on eight occasions.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23326691|publisher=BBC |title=Cardiff to host Heineken Cup final for a record seventh time|access-date=25 May 2014 |date=17 July 2013}}

The stadium has also been used for Celtic League games, and the semi-finals of the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2006 and 2007. Since 2013, the Millennium Stadium has hosted Judgement Day, a double-header between the four Welsh United Rugby Championship teams. The 2016 edition had 68,262 spectators, the highest in the history of the league.{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/68262-reasons-cheerful-judgement-day-11270425|publisher=WalesOnline|title=68,262 reasons to be cheerful about Judgement Day... and a few others as well|date=1 May 2016|access-date=22 August 2023}}

The stadium hosted the first match in the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand when they drew 25–25 against Argentina in a warm-up test match.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4571967.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Lions 25-25 Argentina|date=23 May 2005|access-date=22 August 2023}}

Welsh Varsity rugby matches

On 30 March 2011, the stadium hosted the Welsh Varsity rugby match for the first time in the history of the match between the senior teams of Cardiff University and Swansea University. The stadium is used alternating years with Liberty Stadium in Swansea. The Welsh Varsity event celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.welshvarsity.com/|title=Welsh Varsity {{!}} The Biggest Student Sporting Event in Wales|website=Welshvarsity.com|access-date=7 December 2016}}

Rugby World Cup

The Welsh Rugby Union hosted the 1999 Rugby World Cup with the Final being played at the stadium. The stadium also hosted 3 pool matches and 1 quarter-final match (New Zealand 18–20 France) of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6995680.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Wales 20–32 Australia |access-date=29 August 2008 |date=15 September 2007 |first=Sean |last=Davies }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/sep/17/rugbyunion.rugbyworldcup200713 |work=The Guardian |title=Fiji send Wales a mixed message |access-date=29 August 2008 |location=London |first=Ian |last=Malin |date=17 September 2007 }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7004082.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Wales 72–18 Japan |access-date=29 August 2008 |date=20 September 2007 |first=Nabil |last=Hassan }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/oct/08/rugbyunion.rugbyworldcup200714 |work=The Guardian |title=France postpone party to avoid another hangover |access-date=29 August 2008 |location=London |first=William |last=Fotheringham |date=8 October 2007 }}

File:Millennium Stadium Big Screen.jpg

On 15 October 2011, the stadium was open to Welsh Rugby Union fans free of charge, providing that they wear red so that they could watch a live screening of the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final between Wales and France that was played at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. The match was screened on the stadium's existing large screens, on all of their television screens and on a screen that was brought in for the occasion. The same was done for the Bronze Final between Wales and Australia which saw Wales defeated and take fourth place.

The stadium hosted six pool matches, including two featuring Wales, and two quarter-final matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/how-many-rugby-world-cup-9948469|publisher=WalesOnline|title=How many Rugby World Cup matches are there at the Millennium Stadium?|date=9 September 2015|access-date=22 August 2023}}

File:Opening ceremony 2013 RLWC (2).jpg]]

The stadium first hosted rugby league football during the 2000 World Cup: a double header featuring Cook Islands versus Lebanon and Wales versus New Zealand that attracted a crowd of 17,612. It was again used as Wales' home ground during the 2002 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain and France when they again hosted the Kiwis this time attracting 8,746 spectators.

The Stadium has hosted three Challenge Cup Finals, which are usually played at Wembley, from 2003 to 2005. In 2003 the Bradford Bulls defeated the Leeds Rhinos 22–20 in front of 71,212 fans. St. Helens defeated Wigan 36–16 in 2004 in front of 73,734 fans, while Hull F.C. defeated Leeds 25–24 in 2005 in front of 74,213 fans, the largest rugby league crowd at the stadium.

Also, in 2007 the stadium hosted the inaugural Millennium Magic weekend. This was a two-day event in May when an entire round of Super League matches were played, three games on the Saturday and three games on the Sunday. The event was deemed a success by the sport's governing body, the RFL, and second Millennium Magic event took place in May 2008, although the 2009 and 2010 events were held at Murrayfield Stadium and were renamed Magic Weekend. In 2011, Magic Weekend moved back to Cardiff with the opening round of Super League being played.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8912387.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Millennium Magic to start 2011 Super League season|access-date=14 August 2010 |date=13 August 2010 }}

On 26 October 2013, the Millennium Stadium hosted the opening ceremony and the first two fixtures of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup: a double-header featuring Wales against Italy and England against title favourites and eventual tournament champions Australia.{{cite news|title=Rugby League World Cup 2013: Tournament begins with a bang |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24688126 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 October 2013|access-date=27 October 2013 |first=Paul |last=Fletcher }} This double header produced an overall attendance of 45,052, which is an international rugby league record at the stadium.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

From 2000 to 2009, the stadium was the almost-permanent home of Welsh football. The national team played the vast majority of home matches at the Millennium Stadium, with a handful of friendly matches once or twice a year at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham or Liberty Stadium, Swansea.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/7571023.stm|publisher=BBC|title='Old' stadium claims world record |access-date=7 September 2008 |date=20 August 2008 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.dragonsoccer.co.uk/matches/fr_00022.htm |publisher=dragonsoccer.co.uk |title=Wales v Bulgaria – Friendly. – Liberty Stadium Swansea. Tuesday 15th August 2006.|access-date=7 September 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7556448.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Wales 1–2 Georgia |access-date=7 September 2008 |date=20 August 2008 }} The first Welsh football game at the stadium was played against Finland in 2000,{{cite news |title=FA Cup bid for Wales |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/769672.stm |publisher=BBC |date=30 May 2000 |access-date=3 September 2008 }} and drew a then-record home crowd for Welsh football of over 66,000.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20000329/ai_n14285673|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211033323/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20000329/ai_n14285673|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2009|publisher=The Independent, London also CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company.|title=Football: Hughes and Wales hope Finland feel the force of Giggs |access-date=3 September 2008 }} This has since been beaten on several occasions. However, since 2010, the majority of home games have been played at the smaller Cardiff City Stadium, the home of Cardiff City.{{cite news |title=Wales national football team results 2010–14 |url=http://www.welshfootballonline.com/results/res2010.html |publisher=Welsh Football Online |access-date=21 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107175139/http://www.welshfootballonline.com/results/res2010.html |archive-date=7 January 2018 |url-status=usurped }} Wales have only played at the stadium twice since 2009; in 2011 against England and in 2018 against Spain.

{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=right|image1=Chelsea Vs Arsenal - Carling Cup Final 25_Feb_2007.jpg|image2=|width=200|caption1=The 2007 Football League Cup Final between Chelsea and Arsenal|caption2=The 125th FA Cup Final in 2006 between Liverpool and West Ham}}

While the Millennium Stadium was under construction, the original Wembley Stadium had hosted the Welsh rugby team during the building of the new ground. The favour was returned from 2001 while the new Wembley Stadium was being built,{{Cite news |date=2001-01-04 |title=FA Cup heads for Cardiff |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/1099821.stm |access-date=2024-05-17 |language=en-GB}} with the Millennium hosting:

• FA Cup Final
• League Cup Final
• Football League Trophy Final
• Football League play-off Finals
• FA Community Shield

The stadium became notorious for an apparent "away team hoodoo"; the first 11 major cup finals were all won by the teams occupying the home dressing room.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-one/3027559/Division-Two-Play-off-Final-Twist-to-tale-after-Stoke-end-hoodoo.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-one/3027559/Division-Two-Play-off-Final-Twist-to-tale-after-Stoke-end-hoodoo.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Division Two Play-off Final: Twist to tale after Stoke end hoodoo|date=11 May 2002|access-date=31 January 2013}}{{cbignore}} Stoke City beat Brentford 2–0 in 2002 to end the "hoodoo", after Paul Darby carried out a feng shui blessing.{{cite web |url=http://www.qi-whiz.com/node/1035 |publisher=Feng Shui Ultimate Resource |title=McFengshui Mojo Missing at Millennium Stadium |access-date=27 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030200324/http://www.qi-whiz.com/node/1035 |archive-date=30 October 2007}}{{Cite news |date=2002-05-11 |title=Stoke seal promotion |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/1979286.stm |access-date=2024-05-17 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=2002-05-11 |title=Stadium jinx finally ends |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/1981703.stm |access-date=2024-05-17 |language=en-GB}}

Liverpool were the first team to win the FA Cup at the Millennium Stadium in 2001 after beating Arsenal 2–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2001/05/14/cup_ed3__3.php |work=International Herald Tribune |title=Arsenal Undone as Owen's Late Double Gives Liverpool Cup |access-date=4 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506065305/http://www.iht.com/articles/2001/05/14/cup_ed3__3.php |archive-date=6 May 2008 |url-status=dead }} They were also the first team to win the League Cup at the Stadium, defeating Birmingham City in a penalty shoot-out earlier that year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/feb/24/newsstory.sport2|title=There's nothing like a knockout|last=Lacey|first=David|date=24 February 2001|website=The Guardian|access-date=14 October 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/worthington_cup/1187654.stm|title=Blues shot down as Liverpool lift cup|date=25 February 2001|access-date=14 October 2018}} In 2003, Liverpool won the League Cup for the seventh time in their history thanks to a 2–0 win over Manchester United in the final at the stadium. Liverpool also won the last FA Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in 2006, beating West Ham United 3–1 in a penalty shoot-out that followed a 3–3 draw after extra time in what was billed as 'the best cup final of the modern era'.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6514009.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Millennium Stadium memories |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=2 April 2007 |first=Bruce |last=Pope }}

The Football League Third Division play-offs in 2003 saw AFC Bournemouth beat Lincoln City 5–2. In this game, Bournemouth set a new record for the most goals scored by one team in a single match at the stadium. This record has since been matched but not beaten.{{cite web |title=Leeds United Versus Bournemouth |url=http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=73362 |publisher=Vital Network |access-date=4 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430161943/http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=73362 |archive-date=30 April 2008 |url-status=dead }} The last domestic cup match played was when Doncaster Rovers beat Bristol Rovers 3–2 after extra time in the Football League Trophy Final on 1 April 2007.{{cite news |title=Rovers match marks city final end |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6515373.stm |publisher=BBC |date=1 April 2007 |access-date=3 September 2008 }}

In 2001, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed that they had bid to host the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final. The stadium had recently been rated as a five-star stadium by UEFA, making it one of the favorites to host the match,{{cite news |first=John |last=Ley |title=Welsh eye European final |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2996221/Welsh-eye-European-final.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2996221/Welsh-eye-European-final.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 January 2001|access-date=18 April 2009|location=London}}{{cbignore}} but the final was eventually awarded to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.{{cite news |first=Martyn |last=Ziegler |title=Old Trafford lands 2003 final |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/old-trafford-lands-2003-final-620162.html |work=The Independent |location=London |date=14 December 2001 |access-date=18 April 2009 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

When London was selected as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Millennium Stadium was named as one of the six venues for the football competition.{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/venue/millenium-stadium/ |title=Millennium Stadium |access-date=2 August 2012 |publisher=London2012.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103143141/http://www.london2012.com/venue/millenium-stadium/ |archive-date=3 January 2013 }} It had the distinction of hosting the opening event of the Games – a 1–0 win for the Great Britain women's team against New Zealand – as well as four other group games and a quarter-final in the women's tournament, and three group games, a quarter-final and the bronze medal match in the men's.{{cite web |title=Football – event schedule |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/17092335 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=30 March 2012 |access-date=28 July 2012 }}

File:UEFA Champions League Final Cardiff 2017.jpg ]]

It was suggested that the stadium would have been one of the venues of a proposed UEFA Euro 2016 championship hosted jointly by Wales and Scotland.{{cite news |title=Wales eye joint Scotland Euro bid |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/6175393.stm |publisher=BBC |date=19 April 2007 |access-date=3 September 2008 }} However, the bid did not reach the formal UEFA selection stage, having been abandoned by the Welsh and Scottish Football Associations for financial reasons.{{cite news |title=Wales and Scotland abandon Euro 2016 bid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/02/euro-2016-wales-scotland-bid-abandoned |work=The Guardian |date=2 March 2009 |access-date=21 June 2015 }} In April 2014, the FAW did submit a formal bid to host three group matches and either a round of 16 match or a quarter-final at Euro 2020, which UEFA planned to host at 13 venues across Europe.{{cite news |title=Euro 2020: Football Association of Wales confirms Euro 2020 bid |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27158790 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=25 April 2014 |access-date=21 June 2015 }} When the host venues were voted on in September 2014, the Millennium Stadium lost out by a single vote behind Glasgow's Hampden Park, a decision that FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford put down to UEFA politics.{{cite news |title=Euro 2020: Politics played a part in Wales missing out – Ford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29281090 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=19 September 2014 |access-date=21 June 2015 }} The stadium, however, would be selected for UEFA Euro 2028.

On 30 June 2015, the Millennium Stadium was chosen as the venue for the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33215755 |title=Champions League: Millennium Stadium to host 2017 final |work=BBC Sport |date=30 June 2015 |access-date=30 June 2015}} UEFA rules meant it could not be branded as the Principality Stadium during the event, resulting in all titles and logos – as well as those of other non-UEFA sponsors – being covered or removed for the duration.{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Doel |title=The Principality Stadium sign has started to be removed as home of Welsh rugby changes name for Champions League final |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/principality-stadium-sign-started-removed-13070725 |work=Wales Online |publisher=Media Wales |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=8 February 2018 }} The game was played on 3 June 2017 between Italian club Juventus and Spanish club Real Madrid, in a repeat of the 1998 final; Real Madrid won the match 4–1.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Juventus 1-4 Real Madrid |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40123279 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2017 |access-date=8 February 2018 }}

File:Joshua v Takem.JPG

There have been five nights of boxing at the stadium.{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/location.php?country_code=UK®ion_name=null&towncity_name=&towncity_id=22698&venue_name=&venue_id=25665&yyyy=&submit=Go|publisher=BoxRec|title=Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom|access-date=3 January 2010}}

On 8 July 2006 when Matt Skelton beat Danny Williams for the Commonwealth heavyweight title.{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=141021&cat=boxer|publisher=BoxRec|title=boxer: Matt Skelton|access-date=3 January 2010}}

On 7 April 2007, Joe Calzaghe beat Peter Manfredo to retain his WBO super middleweight belt.

On 3 November 2007, Calzaghe beat Mikkel Kessler to retain his WBO super middleweight belt and win the WBA and WBC super middleweight titles.{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=5364&cat=boxer |publisher=BoxRec|title=boxer: Joe Calzaghe|access-date=3 January 2010}}

On 28 October 2017 Anthony Joshua successfully retained his WBA (Super), IBF and IBO heavyweight titles against mandatory challenger Carlos Takam with a 10th round stoppage.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/oct/28/anthony-joshua-carlos-takam-fight-live |title=Anthony Joshua beats Carlos Takam by TKO to retain world heavyweight titles – as it happened|date=29 October 2017|work=Guardian|access-date=31 October 2017}}

On 31 March 2018, it hosted the World heavyweight unification fight between Anthony Joshua, holder of the WBA and IBF belts, and Joseph Parker, holder of the WBO belt.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/22021772/anthony-joshua-unification-fight-joseph-parker-confirmed-march-31-cardiff-principality-stadium|title=Joshua vs. Parker confirmed for March 31|work=ESPN.com|access-date=14 January 2018}} Joshua beat Parker on points.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/43608618|title=Anthony Joshua beats Joseph Parker on points to add WBO world heavyweight title|work=BBC|access-date=19 October 2018}}

{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=right|image2=BritishGPspeedway2009.JPG|image1=GB Rally December 2006.jpg|image3=Iron Man (truck) at the Millennium Stadium (2010).jpg|width=200|caption2=The 2009 Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain|caption1=The 2006 Wales Rally Great Britain|caption3=The 2010 Monster Jam}}

In 2001, the stadium staged its first ever motorsport event, hosting the Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain, which continued annually, attracting a record crowd of 44,150 in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/news/24152.php |publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=Record Crowds in Cardiff for 10th Speedway GP |access-date=27 June 2011 |date=12 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927025717/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/news/24152.php |archive-date=27 September 2011 }} The temporary motorcycle speedway track was {{convert|278|m|yd|abbr=off}} in length and with sections of the stadiums lower seating bowl covered, the capacity of the stadium for the Grand Prix was set at 62,500. The 2025 event was cancelled for commercial reasons.{{cite web |title=CARDIFF EVENT REPLACED ON THE 2025 FIM SPEEDWAY GP CALENDAR WITH AN ADDITIONAL ROUND IN MANCHESTER |url=https://www.fimspeedway.com/news/cardiff-event-replaced-on-the-2025-fim-speedway-gp-calendar-with-an-additional-round-in-manchester |publisher=FIM |access-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220100935/https://www.fimspeedway.com/news/cardiff-event-replaced-on-the-2025-fim-speedway-gp-calendar-with-an-additional-round-in-manchester |archive-date=20 December 2024 |date=20 December 2024 |url-status=live}}

In September 2005 the stadium was host to the first ever indoor stage of the World Rally Championship during the Wales Rally Great Britain. The lower tier of the stadium was removed to create a figure-of-eight course.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4255386.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Stadium first for world rally |access-date=3 September 2008 |date=17 September 2005 }} In addition to this, the stadium has also hosted Supercross events.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/4071727.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Crockard second in Wales |access-date=3 September 2008 |date=6 December 2004 }} In October 2007, the stadium first hosted the UK leg of the Monster Jam trucks Europe tour, and returned in June 2008, again in 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/301_416.php |publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=Monster Jam |access-date=3 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007051007/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/301_416.php |archive-date=7 October 2007}}

The stadium has been used on numerous occasions as a venue for shooting film and television productions. Scenes from the 2001 Hindi film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... were filmed there.{{cite web |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/london-calling/1024650/ |title=London Calling |date=2 November 2012 |format=archive |work=The Indian Express |access-date=19 May 2019 }}

Between 2004 and 2011, the stadium was used several times as a filming location for episodes of the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who.{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/millenniumstadium |title=The Locations Guide: Millennium Stadium |date=2014 |website=doctorwholocations.net |access-date=19 May 2019}} The 2005 episode "Dalek" was shot primarily on location at the stadium,{{cite web|url=http://www.doctorwholocations.org.uk/mapper/show/60.html|publisher=Christian Graham|title=Doctor Who Locations – Millennium Stadium|access-date=4 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204074710/http://www.doctorwholocations.org.uk/mapper/show/60.html|archive-date=4 February 2009}} using its underground areas to represent a bunker in Utah, US, in the year 2012. The location shooting for the episode took place during October and November 2004. The underground areas of the stadium were used again in August 2005 to film Mission Control scenes for the Doctor Who Christmas special, "The Christmas Invasion",{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorwholocations.net/stories/christmasinvasion |title=The Locations Guide: The Christmas Invasion |date=2014 |website=doctorwholocations.net |access-date=19 May 2019}} and again the following year to film scenes in the underground corridors of Torchwood in "The Runaway Bride" episode, broadcast on Christmas Day 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorwholocations.net/stories/runawaybride |title=The Locations Guide: Runaway Bride |date=2014 |website=doctorwholocations.net |access-date=19 May 2019}} Shots of the Stormcage Facility in which River Song is incarcerated in series 5 and 6 of Doctor Who are also in the stadium, filmed between October 2010 and January 2011.

The stadium has also been used as a location for the filming of Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures. The 2010 story, "Death of the Doctor", included corridor scenes for the UNIT headquarters that were filmed underground at the Millennium Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorwholocations.net/stories/deathofthedoctor |title=The Locations Guide: Death of The Doctor |date=2014 |website=doctorwholocations.net |access-date=19 May 2019}}

The Wembley Stadium scene in the film 28 Weeks Later was actually filmed at the Millennium Stadium. Although the outside is footage of Wembley, the inside is all filmed in Cardiff. The visual effects team on the film edited the footage to make it look more like Wembley.{{cite web |title=Titles with locations including Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |url=https://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Millennium%20Stadium,%20Cardiff,%20South%20Glamorgan,%20Wales,%20UK&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Millennium%20Stadium,%20Cardiff,%20South%20Glamorgan,%20Wales,%20UK |website=Internet Movie Database |access-date=27 August 2008 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Sébastien Foucan jumped over the gap of the opening of the stadium roof in the parkour documentary "Jump Britain".

The inaugural Express Eventing International Cup took place at the stadium on 30 November 2008. The three-event competition made up of dressage, cross-country and show jumping all took place over the one day. The event was won by Oliver Townend.{{cite web|url=http://www.eeicup.com/pressreleases.asp |title=Brits make a clean sweep of Express Eventing |publisher=Tricorn Events |access-date=21 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130034100/http://www.eeicup.com/pressreleases.asp |archive-date=30 January 2009 |url-status=usurped }}

{{Main|List of concerts at the Millennium Stadium}}

{{see also|List of concerts at the National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park}}

File:U2 360° Tour at Millennium Stadium.jpg]]

The stadium has also been used for a variety of musical events, including the Manic Street Preachers concert held on Millennium Eve,{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/manicstreetpreachers/pages/manics_biography.shtml|publisher=BBC |title=Manic Street Preachers biography |access-date=4 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518164143/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/manicstreetpreachers/pages/manics_biography.shtml |archive-date=18 May 2008}} and, on the following day, a recording of the BBC's Songs of Praise, which attracted an attendance of 60,000.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/songsofpraise/features/did_you_know/|publisher=BBC |title=Fascinating facts about Songs of Praise...|access-date=4 September 2008}} Tina Turner performed a sold-out concert at the stadium during her highly successful Twenty Four Seven Tour in 2000.{{cite web |url=http://www.tinaturnerfanclub.eu/tours/twenty_four_seven_tour.html |publisher=Official Tina Turner Fan Club |title=Twenty Four Seven Tour 2000 |access-date=4 September 2008}} Welsh rockers Stereophonics have played two sold-out shows at the stadium: In July 2001 as part of their two-day "A Day at the Races" festival which would later be released to DVD and in 2003, shortly after the departure of the late Stuart Cable.

American rock band Bon Jovi played the venue during the One Wild Night Tour in 2001.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/wales/1410180.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Cardiff set to be recreation capital|access-date=4 September 2008 |date=27 June 2001}} At the end of January 2005, the stadium hosted a tsunami relief concert in aid of the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, with Eric Clapton headlining the event.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4195985.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Stadium tsunami gig raises £1.25m |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=23 January 2005}} The stadium has also been host to Madonna on two occasions, the first in July 2006 when she opened the UK leg of her Confessions Tour,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/5224584.stm |publisher=BBC |title=Confessions from a Madonna show |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=31 July 2006|first=Natalie |last=Grice}} and most recently in August 2008 when she kicked off her Sticky & Sweet Tour at the stadium.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7579275.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Madonna kicks off huge world tour|access-date=4 September 2008 |date=23 August 2008}} Other performers who have played at the stadium include Robbie Williams as part of his Weddings, Barmitzvahs & Stadiums Tour,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/1438599.stm|publisher=BBC|title='Robbie Weekend' draws 120,000 fans|access-date=4 September 2008 |date=16 July 2001}} U2 as part of their Vertigo Tour,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4599957.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Stadium hopes for big star names |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=1 June 2005}} Red Hot Chili Peppers as part of their By the Way tour,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3829409.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Windsurfing in stadium profit plan |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=23 June 2004}} The Rolling Stones as part of their A Bigger Bang Tour,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/4873036.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Madonna to open tour in Cardiff |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=4 April 2006}} R.E.M. as part of their Monster tour and again for their Around the Sun tour.

File:Inside the Millennium Stadium - geograph.org.uk - 1939955.jpg's Up and Coming Tour]]

Paul McCartney also played at the stadium as part of his Up and Coming Tour,{{Cite web|title=MACCA-Concerts: Up and Coming Tour :: Cardiff, UK 2010-06-26 @Millennium Stadium - MACCA-Central, The Paul McCartney FUNsite|url=http://www.macca-central.com/macca-concerts/concert_popup.php?ID=589&ID1=581&BM=YES&SL=NO&ML=NO|access-date=21 January 2021|website=macca-central.com|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063557/http://www.macca-central.com/macca-concerts/concert_popup.php?ID=589&ID1=581&BM=YES&SL=NO&ML=NO|url-status=dead}} and The Police performed there as part of their Reunion Tour.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6418637.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Police gig for Millennium Stadium |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=5 March 2007}} In late 2005, Oasis played at the stadium during their Don't Believe the Truth Tour and again on their Dig Out Your Soul Tour in 2009.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4714401.stm|publisher=BBC |title=Oasis headline stadium rock gig |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=25 July 2005}} In 2008, the stadium hosted Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen with the E Street Band as part of their Magic Tour,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7550253.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Low sales blamed as REM move show |access-date=4 September 2008 |date=8 August 2008}} On 22 August 2009, U2 again played at the stadium, as part of their European leg of their U2 360° Tour,{{cite web|url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/u--tour-presented-blackberry-revolutionary-production-design-revealed/|publisher=Fox Business Network|title=U2 360 Tour Presented by BlackBerry, Revolutionary Production Design Revealed|access-date=14 March 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20090320033237/http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/u--tour-presented-blackberry-revolutionary-production-design-revealed/|archive-date=20 March 2009}} playing to a record-breaking concert attendance of 73,354.{{cite web|url=http://www.millenniumstadium.com/news/22051.php |publisher=Millennium Stadium |title=U2 Rock to Record-Breaking Crowd at Millennium Stadium |access-date=26 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719002912/http://www.millenniumstadium.com/news/22051.php |archive-date=19 July 2011 }} On 17 May 2023, Beyoncé performed at the stadium as part of her Renaissance World Tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.principalitystadium.wales/event/beyonce-renaissance-world-tour/ |title=Principality Stadium/BEYONCÉ RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR |website=principalitystadium.wales |accessdate=25 May 2023}} Taylor Swift played at the stadium on 18 June 2024 as part of The Eras Tour.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-15 |title=Taylor Swift in Cardiff: What you need to know for Eras Tour show |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjlld2j43z0o |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} In 2024, it was announced Oasis would play at the stadium on the 4th and 5th of July 2025 as part of their UK and Ireland Reunion tour.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=Oasis Cardiff: Band's 2025 reunion tour to start at Principality Stadium |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87glv3vpg1o |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

The stadium offers conferencing facilities via the foodservice organisation Compass Group.{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffconferences.co.uk/about-us/compass-group.aspx|publisher=Compass Group on behalf of Millennium Stadium|title=About Compass Group|access-date=24 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626085537/http://www.cardiffconferences.co.uk/about-us/compass-group.aspx|archive-date=26 June 2011}} The facilities consist of six individually designed lounges and 124 pitch-facing executive box suites.{{fact|date=March 2024}}

In addition to business events, the facilities are also available for dinners, banquets, balls, parties and weddings receptions.{{fact|date=March 2024}}

{{main|Dragon's Heart Hospital}}

On 28 March 2020 it was announced that the stadium was to be converted at a cost of £8 million into a temporary field hospital to accommodate up to 2000 patients of the COVID-19 pandemic, at the same time as the Excel Centre, London, NEC, Birmingham, and the Manchester Central Convention Complex.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/52024970 |publisher=BBC|title=Coronavirus: Principality Stadium to be used as 2000-bed hospital|access-date=28 March 2020 |date=28 March 2020}} By the weekend of 11–12 April 2020, it had a capacity of 330 beds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-04-08/first-hospital-beds-in-principality-stadium-to-be-ready-by-this-weekend/|title=First hospital beds in Principality Stadium to be ready by this weekend|website=ITV News|date=8 April 2020 |access-date=8 April 2020}}

On 12 April 2022, American professional wrestling company WWE announced that it would hold a major event at Millennium Stadium on 3 September, and opened pre-registration for tickets. The event was announced as being WWE's largest show in the UK since SummerSlam at the original Wembley Stadium in 1992.{{Cite news |date=12 April 2022 |title=WWE: Cardiff hosts first UK stadium event in 30 years |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-61077142 |access-date=29 May 2022 }} On 29 April 2022, it was announced that the event would be titled Clash at the Castle, in reference to nearby Cardiff Castle.{{cite web |date=30 April 2022 |title=WWE announce name for Principality Stadium event – and reveal when tickets will be available |url=https://nation.cymru/sport/wwe-announce-name-for-principality-stadium-event-and-reveal-when-tickets-will-be-available/ |access-date=7 May 2022 |work=Nation Cymru}} The event attracted over 59,000 ticket pre-sale registrations, a company record.{{cite web |last=Defelice |first=Robert |date=13 April 2022 |title=WWE's Upcoming UK Stadium Show Sets New Pre-Sale Ticket Registration Record For Company |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-s-upcoming-uk-stadium-show-sets-new-pre-sale-ticket-registration-record-company |access-date=29 April 2022 |work=Fightful}}

• Sport in Cardiff
• Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust
• List of stadiums by capacity
• List of covered stadiums by capacity
• List of stadiums in Wales by capacity
• List of European stadiums by capacity
• List of association football stadiums by capacity
• List of tallest buildings in Cardiff
• Lists of stadiums

{{notelist}}

;General

• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/crgg16vrj2do.amp Wales’ Principality Stadium at 25: 'The Eras Tour'], BBC Sport, 26 June 2024.

;Inline

{{reflist}}

• {{commons category-inline}}
• {{official|http://www.millenniumstadium.com/}}
• [https://populous.com/project/millennium-stadium Populous website on the Millennium Stadium]

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|title=Rugby World Cup
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Johannesburg

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London

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London

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Coventry

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Paris

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Edinburgh

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London

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Saint-Denis

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London

|years=2011

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Dublin

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London

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Milan

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