Millennium Stadium (original) (raw)
The Millennium Stadium (Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm) is a sports ground situated in the centre of Cardiff, Wales, the spiritual and physical home of Welsh Rugby Union.
Built on the site of the former National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park, the ground was completed in 1999 in time to host the Rugby Union World Cup, seating 70,000+ paying fans and with a retractable roof to protect the playing surface from the elements. The construction was funded by private investment, public funds from the UK National Lottery and the sale of debentures to fans, which offered guaranteed tickets in exchange for an interest-free loan.
During the rebuilding of England's Wembley Stadium the Millennium Stadium has hosted the football FA Cup Final since 2001, as Wembley had hosted the Welsh rugby team during the building of their new ground.
For more information on stadiums, see Stadium