The Principality Stadium is the largest stadium in Wales and the fourth largest in the UK. Reasons to take a Principality Stadium Tour;
- Home of Welsh rugby
- Largest stadium in Wales
- Largest covered stadium in Europe (when the roof is closed)
- Walk through the players tunnel to pitchside
- Sit where royalty do in the President’s Box
- Iconic stadium has hosted historic events
- City Center location therefore easy to visit
The stadium is in central Cardiff therefore I recommend any city center hotel. Alternatively, if you’re arriving by train, it’s a 5 minute walk from Cardiff Central station. Stadium tours run most days, however, I recommend you check the schedule and book online in advance.
Location
The Principality stadium is adjacent to the River Taff in central Cardiff. It’s one of the few UK stadiums which offer a city center location. As a matter of fact it’s a short walk from both Cardiff Central train station as well as Cardiff bus station. For this reason, it’s incredibly easy to get to the stadium.
Welsh Rugby Union Store – Stadium Tour Meeting Point
The meeting point for the stadium tour is upstairs in the Welsh Rugby Union Store. You should arrive at least 10 minutes in advance of your tour time. However, don’t be worried about arriving too early as you’ll have time to explore the Welsh Rugby merchandise. Even if you’re not a rugby fan, some of the merchandise will make a good souvenir of your trip to Cardiff, Wales. How about buying something to wear on your stadium tour? As a result, you could enhance the pictures you take inside the stadium.
Sir Tasker Watkins Statue
The first stop on the stadium tour is the Sir Tasker Watkins statue. Sir Tasker Watkins was a war hero and later in life he became the second longest serving president of Welsh Rugby. He oversaw the project to build what was originally known as the Millennium Stadium.
Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium is the largest stadium in Wales and the fourth largest in the UK. Only Wembley, Twickenham and Old Trafford are larger. The capacity is 74,500 spectators. An interesting fact is when the roof is closed it’s the largest covered stadium in Europe. In addition, it’s the second largest covered stadium in the world after the AT&T Stadium in Texas. Not only does the stadium host rugby but also concerts, boxing, motorsport, cricket as well as football. Finally, 2 significant events held in the stadium include the 1999 Rugby World Cup final and the 2017 Champions League Final.
President’s Box
Royalty and VIPs sit in the President’s Box during important events. Queen Elizabeth II has sat in the presidential suite and you can sit where she sat. Additionally, the Prince of Wales (Charles) has visited many times. Lastly, if sitting in the royal seats is not your thing, you can pose for pictures with the trophy.
VIP Hospitality Suite
As part of the stadium tour you will visit a VIP hospitality suite. In here you get a glimpse into how a VIP matchday experience would be. Those who do buy a VIP matchday experience have access to complimentary food and drink throughout the match.
Away Team Dressing Room
I would describe the away team dressing room as uninspiring. Uninspired is exactly how the Welsh rugby team wish there opponents to be when they visit the Principality Stadium. Nonetheless, the dressing rooms are spacious and space is very important to a team of rugby players!
Home Team Dressing Room
The Welsh rugby team dressing rooms are very inspiring. They feature Welsh logos and colors throughout. When you’re in the Wales dressing room, the tour guide will play a recording of a former manager giving a team talk. As a result, you have a true sense of the pre match feeling of the Welsh dressing room. Additionally, the Welsh rugby team have access to some excellent warm up facilities which you’ll also see.
Players Tunnel
Now you’ve seen the dressing rooms it’s time to take the walk down the players tunnel. The guide will nominate team captains to lead each team to the pitch. If you’re visiting with kids I’m sure they’d love to be a team captain.
Pitch Side
Pitchside is one of the most popular places to take a photo on the stadium tour. Did you buy a Wales jersey from the Wales Rugby Union Store? If so, here would be the perfect place to pose in it.
Press Room
You will probably recognise the press room from the TV. This is where the managers and players give press conferences about the match. Imagine all the rugby greats who have sat here. This room will have been especially full during the 2017 Champions League final press conference. As part of the tour you’re welcome to sit and pose for photos in the press room.
Memorabilia
As you’re walking around the stadium be sure to pay attention to the memorabilia on display. Although there is no official Welsh Rugby Museum in the stadium, you’ll find memorabilia on display throughout the stadium. Of course there’s a lot of rugby memorabilia but also memorabilia from other events which took place here. Did you know that Team GB played here during the London Olympics?
Enjoy the Principality Stadium Tour – Cardiff
Enjoy the Principality Stadium tour. Even if you’re not a rugby fan it’s a fun tour to take and who doesn’t want to take pictures in one of the largest stadiums in the UK! Moreover, due to its location in central Cardiff it’s an extremely convenient stadium to visit. Finally, I recommend you check the schedule and book a stadium tour online in advance.
Check out Twickenham, the home of the England Rugby Team.
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