Stadium delivers record sporting legacy for Wales

Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Martyn Phillips has hailed the unprecedented legacy delivered for Wales and its national stadium as a result of hosting the UEFA Champions League Final at the weekend.

The eyes of the world watched Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Juventus inside the iconic stadium, which was the biggest and busiest event ever hosted in the Welsh capital.

The match reached a global television audience of 200 million across 200 countries. A crowd of 66,000 supporters enjoyed from inside the stadium, with 170,000 visitors soaking up the unparalleled atmosphere in the city centre and the Champions Festival in Cardiff Bay. 

Phillips said delivering the biggest global sporting event of 2017 has cemented Principality Stadium’s reputation as a world-class sporting venue and confirms Wales’ place firmly on the world map as a major event host.

He also spoke of the pride he has for the expert stadium team who worked for many months with organisers Football Association of Wales, working with UEFA, South Wales Police, Welsh Government and all city partners to successfully deliver the biggest game on the planet in 2017.

“Principality Stadium and Wales’ proven track record for delivering some of the world’s greatest sporting occasions has now reached unprecedented heights with the huge success of Champions League Final in Cardiff at the weekend,” said the chief executive of the WRU which owns and operates the stadium.

“Together with the Football Association of Wales, Welsh Government, South Wales Police, Cardiff Council and others, we knew how hugely ambitious hosting the Final in Cardiff was, but when the world was watching, we delivered!

Intensive planning was underway for many months to ensure a safe and successful event. He added: 

“In what has been a tragic and challenging time for the people of the UK, much has been said of the months of collaborative planning, dedication and hard work that goes in to ensuring an event of this scale is memorable for the right reasons.

“Its success is therefore all the more reason to celebrate. Together we have delivered a brilliant sporting legacy for the stadium and for Wales. On behalf of everyone at the Welsh Rugby Union, I am extremely proud of our national stadium and the fantastic team working behind-the-scenes to ensure we can deliver our vision to attract the world’s largest sport and music events and to continue to play our role in promoting Wales globally.”

In the coming weeks, Principality Stadium will host Robbie Williams (21 June) followed by Justin Bieber (30 June) and Coldplay (11 July) concerts and the FIM British Speedway Grand Prix (22 July). Wales’ Under Armour Series 2017 kicks off against Australia (11 November) followed by matches against Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Due to heightened security around major events, visitors are advised to visit the website for further information at principalitystadium.wales.