This spectacular stadium squats like a stranded spaceship on the River Taff's east bank. Attendance at matches has increased dramatically since this 74,500-seat, £168-million, three-tiered stadium with sliding roof was completed in time to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Rugby is Wales' national game and when the crowd begins to sing at Millennium, the whole of Cardiff resonates. If you can't get tickets to a match, it's well worth taking a tour. Book online or at the WRU Store .
During the tours you get to hang out in the dressing rooms (alas sans players), run through the tunnel to the recorded cheering of a game-day crowd and sit in the VIP box. They last about an hour and are held several times a day, except on event days.
To watch a test here is to catch a glimpse of the Welsh psyche, especially when the Six Nations tournament (contested annually in February and March between Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy) is in full swing. Tickets for international fixtures are difficult to get hold of; other matches are easier. Cardiff Arms Park, Millennium’s famous predecessor and home to the Cardiff Blues rugby team, lies literally in its shadow.
Outside of the rugby season Millennium is used for mammoth events such as Monster Trucks and concerts by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. The British Speedway Grand Prix is held here every June.
