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Major plans revealed to redevelop the Principality Stadium

By David Owens
Principality Stadium image by Sarah Morgan Jones

Plans have been revealed to develop the Principality Stadium to give it a marked upgrade.

Speaking to a Senedd Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee about the plans for the Principality Stadium, Welsh Rugby union CEO Abi Tierney said the redevelopment was needed to keep the stadium in line with other newer worldwide venues.

The coming months will see the stadium play host to both European rugby finals, while a number of global music stars will be performing at the venue this summer including the first shows of the hugely anticipated Oasis reunion tour.

The stadium is also to host the opening ceremony of Euro 2028 and six of the tournament's games.

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The WRU CEO pointed out that when the then Millennium Stadium was built in 1999 it had some of the best facilities in world sport, but 26 years on many other moderns venues have surpassed it in what they offer, despite it still being an elite venue.

She added that he WRU need to work on updating the Principality Stadium to ensure it can attract the world's best sporting and music events, revealing a two-stage plan to politicians, as well as confirming the famous stadium roof is to be covered in solar panels to cut costs and be more environmentally friendly.

WRU Chief Executive Officer Abi Tierney. Credit: David Davies/PA Wire.

Tierney said: "What we have is the stadium which acts as an asset in Cardiff where we can bring lots of international events.

"You can't help but realise what an iconic venue it is but it's 25 years old now.

"There is a real danger of it falling behind in terms of what it offers when you see the most recent example is Everton's new stadium.

"There's lots of coverage around Fulham's new stadium and then you've got Ajax and the stadiums in Spain etc.

Wales and Scotland players walk out of the tunnel ahead of the Guinness Six Nations match David Davies/PA Wire.

"We are doing two phases. I agree that we need to absolutely catch up and stay ahead of the game to continue to attract world events.

"Firstly I'm going out for procurement for our new partner in terms of delivering our hospitality and events there.

"We are hoping to announce that in September of this year and our current partnership there is one of the bidders but we are looking for real world class and best in practice examples there.

"So, that's phase one. Also, now we have the finances of the WRU in a much better position we are looking to secure further investment going forward in a much more strategic redevelopment of the stadium that really takes it forward over the next 25 years.

"That will be a phase two that will start to come next year and we will be working with our planners to look at that."

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Tierney also revealed plans for the stadium's roof.

"Just a much smaller example - on sustainability but still really important - is we are procuring on solar panels for the roof," she told the Senedd.

"That is sustainability in the real proper sense of the word because our energy bills are absolutely huge and not where we want them to be from a carbon perspective.

"We are continuing to invest and we have some really exciting developments, so watch this space."

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11 comments

J Jones

"There's a lot of coverage about Fulham's new stadium and then you've got Ajax" No there isn't, Fulham has one new stand on one side, less than 9k seats for an increase of less than 4k to a total capacity still under 30k, miles from the city centre and in a poor location. Ajax stadium is just an older and much smaller (20k) version of our stadium. On all fronts she's yet again delusional about the truth or treating us all as mugs, maybe both.

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lufccymru

Came here to say the exact same regarding Fulham and the Amsterdam Arena/Johan Cruyff Arena. Was no research undertaken for this article?

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J Jones

Journo's are under strict orders to report what Agent Abigail wants to be read - regardless of the truth. Maybe if they don't they'll get cancelled for being sexist, etc etc. Her introduction article prior to the 16 defeats stated that she knew nothing about rugby but that should not be a problem!

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Beefy McGee

Sort out Glanmor's Gap, should be easier now they are in control of Cardiff

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J Jones

'Cardiff', or the 'Blues region' is just a franchise to play at the pro rugby level. The land to the north of the national stadium is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club, a multi sport club though, apart from Cardiff RFC, most have now moved up the river. The national stadium cost is about £70m, it would cost many times that to fill the gap and create a 'few' thousand more seats. The money isn't there, but regardless I'd like to retain that part of the stadium that originates from the 1970s as a tribute to when rugby was at its best. Bring back standing to the lower tier, create a more traditional rugby atmosphere with everyone focussed on the rugby, instead of the selfie obsessed attention seeking rabble that the corporate world has created.

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Barry

The best stadium in Europe is looking tired.

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John

The best stadiums in Europe are Tottenham and Real Madrid.

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J Jones

But in terrible locations. I walked the mile to the Tottenham stadium, passed the police station attacked in recent riots, the only thing I liked was that I didn't hear any of the many locals speak one word of English. I did intend visiting the Madrid stadium, but it's miles out of the city so didn't bother. Location, location, location, with a few hundred bars and restaurants within a short walk.

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Badger

Tottenham doesn't have a roof. Madrid's roof lets the light in so there's no chance of a dramatic light show to ramp up the atmosphere.

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David

The details will follow , it's exciting ! She has been saying that , without any action , since last September. A promised overhaul of the rugby system has still not happened. Where is the priority , the rugby or the stadium. Go and ask the rugby fraternity who are still waiting for ANY change for the better. Priority should be the pathway.

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J Jones

Correct. Corporate claptrap from someone with a sketchy background and no knowledge of the business. The 2023 sabotage report by individuals from England rugby, brought in the current lot with 3 constant characteristics; 1. English, 2. No or dubious rugby background, 3. Chronic failures with the 16 consecutive losses and equivalent off the field. How long this runs is anyone's guess, she was a very strange appointment by an unelected Chair associated with England Rugby, so any process to remove them will be deemed sexist and racist against all the English at the top of the WRU.

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'Cardiff', or the 'Blues region' is just a franchise to play at the pro rugby level. The land to the north of the national stadium is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club, a multi sport club though, apart from Cardiff RFC, most have now moved up...

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