Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium (Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm) in Cardiff is the national stadium of Wales, used primarily for rugby union and football. It is currently the largest football ground in the United Kingdom with a capacity of 74,500, but will relinquish this distinction when the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium in London is complete. The stadium is owned by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

History

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

Related Topics:
1999 - National Stadium - Cardiff Arms Park - 1999 Rugby Union World Cup

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Related Topics:
National Lottery - Debenture - Loan - 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.

Related Topics:
June 26 - 1999 - Wales - South Africa - Friendly

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~