Cardiff Arms Park Stadium

Cardiff Arms Park Essential Details

Cardiff Arms Park Stadium Basic Details

Stadium Capacity

12,125 spectators

Year Opened

1969

Address & Location

Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1JA, Wales

Cardiff, Wales

Technical Specifications

Pitch Type

Astro

Stadium Type

Multi-Sport Venue

Primary Sport

Rugby Union

Venue Classification

Stadium

Stadium Shape

Asymmetric — four stands with North Stand and Family Stand at one end, Peter Thomas Stand connected to Principality Stadium at the other

Structural Features

The current Cardiff Arms Park rugby ground (opened 1969, architect Osborne V. Webb and Partners) consists of four main stands surrounding a 3G artificial playing surface. The North Stand and North Terrace house many of the most passionate Cardiff supporters and are accessed via the famous Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates at the Angel Hotel entrance. The Family Stand (East Stand) provides covered family-friendly seating with no alcohol consumption. The Peter Thomas Stand (South Stand) is uniquely connected to the Principality Stadium's North Stand — a structural quirk dating to the 1980s when funds ran short for a new structure. The West Stand houses the executive hospitality boxes and the Westgate Suite. Bars throughout the ground include the Black Bar, Gin Bar, Guinness Bar, Pack Bar (north side); and the Fanzone, Jack Matthews Bar, and Taff End Bar (south side). The Cardiff Athletic Club Clubhouse is members-only. The whole site is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club and includes a separate bowling green to the north of the rugby ground.

Location & Maps

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About Cardiff Arms Park

About Cardiff Arms Park Stadium

Cardiff Arms Park is one of the most historic rugby grounds in world rugby, located on Westgate Street in the heart of the Welsh capital — physically connected to the much larger Principality Stadium next door. The current ground was built in 1969 with a capacity of 16,500 (now 12,125 following safety modifications), but rugby has been played on the wider Arms Park site continuously since the 1870s. Owned by Cardiff Athletic Club, the ground is the home of professional URC side Cardiff Rugby (also known as the Blue & Blacks or Blues) and semi-professional Cardiff RFC. In 2013, Cardiff Rugby installed a 3G artificial pitch — one of the first in professional Welsh rugby — providing year-round playability for both teams plus community and corporate clients. The stadium's atmospheric four-stand design includes the North Stand, North Terrace, Family Stand (East), Peter Thomas Stand (South), and Hospitality Boxes (West). The South Stand uniquely shares a structural wall with the Principality Stadium's North Stand — a quirk dating to the 1980s when funds ran out for a new structure. The Arms Park is steeped in Welsh rugby folklore, with greats including Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Cliff Morgan, Bleddyn Williams, Gerald Davies, Sam Warburton, Jonah Lomu, Gethin Jenkins and Jamie Roberts all having played at the ground.

Visiting Cardiff Arms Park

🏛️Stadium History

Rugby has been played at Cardiff Arms Park continuously since the 1870s, when the area — then a wet field behind the Cardiff Arms Hotel — was leased to Cardiff Cricket Club and the newly-founded Cardiff Rugby Football Club (1876). The site is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club. The first international match was played on 12 April 1884, when 5,000 watched Wales beat Ireland. The 4th Marquess of Bute sold the entire site in 1922, opening the door to major development. The first proper stands were built in 1881-82 (capacity 300), expanded to around 43,000 by 1912 with the new main stand. A South Stand was added in 1956 bringing total capacity to 60,000. In 1958 the ground hosted the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. By 1964 the Arms Park had become the permanent home of the Wales national rugby team. The major transformation came between 1967-1969 when the old cricket ground was demolished to make way for two distinct grounds on the site: the current Cardiff Rugby ground to the north (opened 1969, architect Osborne V. Webb), and the larger National Stadium to the south (officially opened 7 April 1984). The National Stadium hosted the 1991 Rugby World Cup matches and 1996/1997 Heineken Cup Finals before being demolished in 1997 to make way for the Millennium Stadium (now Principality Stadium) which opened for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Cardiff Rugby (formed 2003 in the Welsh regional restructure) played at Cardiff Arms Park from 2003-2009, briefly relocated to Cardiff City Stadium 2009-2012, then returned to the Arms Park in 2012 where they remain. In 2013, a 3G artificial surface was installed — replacing the historic grass pitch — providing all-weather usability for two clubs and community/corporate users.

⚡Matchday Atmosphere

Cardiff Arms Park retains a unique atmosphere despite its modest 12,125 capacity — a function of being one of the spiritual homes of Welsh rugby. The ground is famous for the singing of "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" (the Welsh national anthem) and "Bread of Heaven" before kick-off, and the close, intimate bowl puts supporters within touching distance of the action. The North Stand and North Terrace house many of the most passionate Cardiff supporters, and the famous Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates at the Angel Hotel entrance evoke generations of Cardiff rugby history. Big inter-Welsh derby fixtures against the Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons consistently sell out, with Principality Stadium-bound rugby fans often passing through the ground on big international weekends. Cardiff Rugby's Summerfest and the return of the Blue & Blacks to the ground have generated significant new energy in recent seasons.

🎯Stadium Tours

Cardiff Rugby does not currently run a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme at Cardiff Arms Park. However, bespoke group tours and behind-the-scenes experiences can be arranged via the club's commercial team for schools, corporate clients, and supporter groups. These tours showcase the famous Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates, the home dressing room, the Cardiff Rugby heritage displays, the pitchside experience on the 3G surface, and the Peter Thomas Stand hospitality areas. Many visitors looking for a full stadium tour experience opt for the much larger Principality Stadium tour next door (run by the WRU), which Cardiff Arms Park is physically connected to via its shared south stand wall. Contact Cardiff Rugby via cardiffrugby.wales to enquire about group tour availability.

🏛️Stadium Museum

While Cardiff Arms Park does not have a dedicated permanent museum within the venue itself, Cardiff Rugby maintains a comprehensive online Cardiff Rugby Museum accessible via cardiffrugby.wales documenting over 150 years of Cardiff RFC history including the great Cardiff and Wales players who plied their trade at the ground — Gwyn Nicholls, Percy Bush, Cliff Morgan, Bleddyn Williams, Jack Matthews, Gerald Davies, Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Terry Holmes, Gareth Davies, Dai Young, Rob Howley, Gethin Jenkins, Jamie Roberts, Sam Warburton and many more. Heritage displays and photographs are also exhibited around the hospitality areas of the ground. The famous Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates at the Angel Hotel entrance commemorate the legendary Wales captain who led his country to a famous 3-0 victory over the touring New Zealand All Blacks in 1905 — the first time any team had beaten the All Blacks.

Getting to Cardiff Arms Park

Getting to the Stadium

Cardiff Central Station (10 min walk)

Cardiff Central Station is the main railway hub for the city and is located just 10 minutes walk from Cardiff Arms Park. Operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), the station has extensive direct services from across the UK including London Paddington (less than 2 hours via Great Western Railway), Bristol Temple Meads (45 min), Manchester, Birmingham, Swansea and the South Wales valleys. The walking route from the station passes the Principality Stadium and arrives at the Arms Park via Westgate Street. Cardiff Queen Street Station (1.5km, 18 min walk) is the alternative for arrivals from the Valley Lines.

Cardiff Central Bus Station & Local Routes

Cardiff Central Bus Station is located adjacent to Cardiff Central Railway Station, under a 10-minute walk to the Arms Park. Multiple Cardiff Bus routes (including 1, 2, 8 and many more) stop on Castle Street, Kingsway and Westgate Street within 3-5 minutes walk of the ground. National Express and Megabus coaches arrive at Sophia Gardens coach station, also within walking distance. A standard single fare is approximately £2.50; day passes available.

Driving & City Centre Parking

Cardiff Arms Park is in the heart of the city centre, easily reached from the M4 motorway via Junction 32 (from the west) or Junction 29 (from the east). From J29, follow the A48(M) into Cardiff, then North Road (A470) past Cardiff Castle, turning left by the Angel Hotel onto Westgate Street. There is NO public parking at the stadium on match days — the small car park is reserved for season ticket holders only. Cardiff offers extensive public parking nearby: Sophia Gardens (Cardiff Rugby supporters get preferential rates), the NCP directly opposite the ground on Westgate Street, and St David's 2 shopping centre car park.

Walking in Cardiff City Centre

Cardiff Arms Park has an unbeatable city centre location, within easy walking distance of virtually every central Cardiff hotel, pub and restaurant. From Cardiff Central Station the walk is 10 minutes north along Westgate Street, passing the Principality Stadium. From the Castle Quarter and Cardiff Castle the ground is just 5 minutes south. From the Hayes and St David's shopping district approximately 8-10 minutes. The pre and post-match walk through Cardiff city centre — particularly along Westgate Street and Castle Street — is one of the most atmospheric experiences in UK rugby.

Stadium Tours

Cardiff Rugby Bespoke Group Tours

Tour Description

Cardiff Rugby does not currently offer a scheduled public stadium tour programme at Cardiff Arms Park, but bespoke group tours and behind-the-scenes experiences can be arranged via the club's commercial team. These tours showcase the historic Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates, the home dressing room, the Cardiff Rugby museum displays, the pitchside experience, and the Peter Thomas Stand hospitality areas. Most visitors looking for a stadium tour experience in Cardiff opt for the much larger Principality Stadium tour next door (run by the WRU), which Cardiff Arms Park is physically connected to via its shared south stand wall.

Pricing & Duration

Adult tickets cost Price on request, children's tickets are Price on request, and concession tickets are available for Price on request. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 60 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.

Tour Highlights

The Cardiff Rugby Bespoke Group Tours includes famous gwyn nicholls memorial gates at the angel hotel entrance, walk down the players' tunnel, home dressing room visit, pitchside on the 3g surface, peter thomas stand hospitality areas, cardiff rugby heritage displays, stories of the great cardiff & wales players who played at the arms park, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Tours run by appointment subject to availability — typically Monday to Friday outside of fixture and event schedules. Not available on match days. Cardiff Rugby Museum content is also available online via cardiffrugby.wales. Contact Cardiff Rugby commercial team via the official website (cardiffrugby.wales) to enquire about bespoke group tour availability and pricing. Tours are organised on a bespoke basis depending on group requirements.

Hotels Near Cardiff Arms Park

Where to Stay

voco St. David's Cardiff

Accommodation Type & Location

Luxury accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £170 to £450 per night

Description

voco St. David's Cardiff is Cardiff's premier 5-star luxury property — a striking glass-fronted hotel on the waterfront at Cardiff Bay with panoramic views over the city and bay. Part of IHG's premium voco collection, the 132-room hotel features the award-winning Marine Spa with thermal suite and indoor pool, the Tempus by David Bann restaurant, and one of the most photographed lobby atriums in Cardiff. Approximately 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes walk from the Arms Park along the waterfront route.

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre

Accommodation Type & Location

Mid-range accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £120 to £240 per night

Description

The Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre is one of the closest hotels to Cardiff Arms Park — just a 4-minute walk down Castle Street. The 157-room hotel offers comfortable modern accommodation, an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness centre, and 24-hour reception. The location is unbeatable for matchgoers wanting to combine an Arms Park URC fixture with Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium and city centre exploration.

Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street)

Accommodation Type & Location

Budget accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £70 to £170 per night

Description

Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) is the most popular budget choice for matchgoers and is approximately 12 minutes walk from the Arms Park. Located on the main shopping thoroughfare of Queen Street, the hotel offers consistently rated comfort with the chain's signature Hypnos beds, on-site Thyme Restaurant, and 24-hour reception. Excellent location for combining Arms Park rugby with Cardiff shopping, dining and nightlife.

The Parkgate Hotel

Accommodation Type & Location

Boutique accommodation

Pricing

Rates from £180 to £400 per night

Description

The Parkgate Hotel is Cardiff's newest boutique luxury hotel, opened in 2021 within the beautifully restored former county court building on Park Place adjacent to Cardiff Castle. With 170 individually designed bedrooms, this Bespoke Hotels-managed property has been an instant hit with rugby fans — partly because of its location just 6 minutes walk from the Arms Park, and partly because it's the official partner hotel of the Wales national rugby team. Features the Hokoji Asian-inspired restaurant, the Pearl Bar, and a stunning rooftop terrace.

Dining at Cardiff Arms Park

Restaurants

The Potted Pig is one of Cardiff's most celebrated restaurants — a Michelin Guide-listed venue housed in a former bank vault on the High Street, just 5 minutes walk from Cardiff Arms Park. Chef-led, with a focus on Welsh and British produce, the restaurant offers a relaxed but sophisticated pre or post-match dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner with seasonal menus. Bar 44 Cardiff is the flagship of Wales' most celebrated Spanish restaurant group, located on Westgate Street just 3 minutes walk from Cardiff Arms Park — making it the closest top-rated restaurant to the stadium. The buzzing tapas bar serves authentic Spanish small plates using premium Spanish produce alongside Welsh ingredients, with one of the best sherry and Spanish wine lists in the UK. Perfect for pre-match grazing with a group.

Pubs & Bars

The Old Arcade is the most legendary rugby pub in Cardiff and an absolute must-visit for visiting rugby supporters. Located in Church Street just 5 minutes walk from the Arms Park, this Brains-owned Victorian pub has been the unofficial gathering point for Cardiff and Wales rugby supporters for over a century. The walls are covered in rugby memorabilia, the bar serves the perfect pint of Brains Dark, and the matchday atmosphere is utterly electric — a rite of passage for any rugby fan visiting Cardiff. The City Arms is the unofficial home of Welsh rugby supporters in Cardiff — located directly across Quay Street from the Principality Stadium and just 2 minutes walk from Cardiff Arms Park. Owned by Brains and famous for its singing matchday atmosphere, this is THE pub to congregate before and after a Cardiff Rugby URC fixture. Expect packed crowds, perfectly-poured pints of Brains, and impromptu choruses of Welsh rugby anthems echoing into the surrounding streets.

Cardiff Arms Park Accessibility

Accessibility

Step-Free Access via Quay Street and Angel Hotel Entrances

Cardiff Arms Park offers step-free access via designated accessible entrances. Wheelchair users typically use the Quay Street Entrance for South Terrace seating or the Angel Hotel entrance for North Stand seating. Stewards are on hand to assist on match days. The stadium is centrally located in the heart of Cardiff with smooth pavements throughout the surrounding streets. Wheelchair users should approach via Quay Street or the Angel Hotel entrance where stewards will direct them to accessible seating areas.

Dedicated Wheelchair Bays with Companion Seating

Dedicated wheelchair spaces with adjacent companion seating are available at Cardiff Arms Park, with positions providing excellent unobstructed pitch views. Capacity is limited and advance booking via the Cardiff Rugby ticket office is essential. Companion ticket is typically included or available at concession rate. Demand is high for European Champions Cup fixtures and Welsh derbies.

Accessible Toilet Facilities Throughout the Stadium

Accessible toilet facilities are located throughout Cardiff Arms Park, with locations signposted from wheelchair seating areas. Baby-changing facilities are also provided. The historic 1969 stands have been adapted to provide modern accessibility provisions. Stewards can direct visitors to the nearest accessible facilities.

No On-Site Disabled Parking (Use City Centre Facilities)

There is no general on-site disabled parking at Cardiff Arms Park on match days. Blue badge holders can use the public NCP car park directly opposite on Westgate Street (very limited disabled bays) or the larger St David's 2 car park. Sophia Gardens car park also has disabled bays and is approximately 10 minutes walk from the stadium. Contact the ticket office in advance to discuss specific access needs. Drop-off is possible at the Quay Street entrance via taxi.

Filter by Category

What is the capacity of Cardiff Arms Park?Featured

Cardiff Arms Park has a current capacity of 12,125. The ground originally held 16,500 when it opened in 1969, but capacity was reduced over the years to comply with modern stadium safety standards. The stadium is uniquely connected to the much larger 73,931-capacity Principality Stadium next door.

What is the difference between Cardiff Arms Park and Principality Stadium?Featured

They are two physically separate but adjoining stadiums on the same historic site. Cardiff Arms Park (12,125 capacity, opened 1969) is the home of Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff RFC. Principality Stadium (73,931 capacity, opened 1999, formerly Millennium Stadium) is the national stadium of Wales and home of the Welsh national rugby team. The two grounds share a structural wall between the Arms Park's South Stand and the Principality Stadium's North Stand.

What is the nearest train station to Cardiff Arms Park?Featured

Cardiff Central Station is the nearest station, just 10 minutes walk from Cardiff Arms Park. Operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), the station has direct services from London Paddington (less than 2 hours via GWR), Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and across South Wales. Cardiff Queen Street Station (1.5km, 18 min walk) is the alternative for Valley Lines arrivals.

Is parking available at Cardiff Arms Park?Featured

No public match day parking is available at Cardiff Arms Park — the small on-site car park is reserved for season ticket holders only. Cardiff offers extensive city centre parking nearby: Sophia Gardens (preferential rates for Cardiff Rugby supporters), NCP Westgate Street (directly opposite), and St David's 2 shopping centre.

How much do Cardiff Rugby tickets cost at Cardiff Arms Park?Featured

Cardiff Rugby URC tickets start at approximately £18 for adult terrace tickets and £10 for juniors. Standard seated tickets in the North or Peter Thomas Stand are £30-£55, premium Westgate Suite hospitality packages from £175 per person. Pricing varies by fixture category (with Welsh derbies and European Champions Cup matches at the higher end).

When was Cardiff Arms Park built?

Rugby has been played continuously at the Arms Park site since the 1870s. The current rugby ground was built between 1967-1969 with a capacity of 16,500, with the wider Arms Park site having hosted rugby internationals since 1884. The current 3G artificial playing surface was installed in 2013.

Which teams play at Cardiff Arms Park?

Cardiff Arms Park is the home of professional URC side Cardiff Rugby (also known as the Blue & Blacks) and semi-professional Cardiff RFC (who compete in Super Rygbi Cymru). It is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club. The Wales national rugby team played at the Arms Park from 1964 until 1997 before relocating next door to the Principality Stadium.

How do I get to Cardiff Arms Park from the M4 motorway?

From the M4, take Junction 32 from the west or Junction 29 from the east. From J29, follow the A48(M) towards Cardiff, then North Road (A470) past Cardiff Castle, turning left at the Angel Hotel onto Westgate Street. The stadium is in the centre of the city on Westgate Street, CF10 1JA.

What food and drink options are available at Cardiff Arms Park?

Cardiff Arms Park has multiple bars across the ground. The North side has the Black Bar, Gin Bar, the Clubhouse (Cardiff Athletic Club members only), Guinness Bar and Pack Bar. The South side has the Fanzone, Jack Matthews Bar, Taff End Bar and a unit in the South Stand Concourse. For pre-match drinks, The City Arms and The Old Arcade are the legendary local pubs within minutes of the ground.

Are stadium tours available at Cardiff Arms Park?

Cardiff Rugby does not run a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme, but bespoke group tours can be arranged via the club's commercial team for schools, corporate clients and supporter groups. Many visitors interested in stadium tours opt for the much larger Principality Stadium tour next door, run by the WRU.

Is Cardiff Arms Park accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. Cardiff Arms Park offers step-free access via the Quay Street and Angel Hotel entrances, dedicated wheelchair spaces with companion seating, accessible toilets throughout the ground, and steward assistance on match days. Wheelchair tickets must be booked in advance via tickets@cardiffrugby.wales as availability is limited.

What is the playing surface at Cardiff Arms Park?

Cardiff Arms Park has a 3G artificial playing surface installed in 2013 — one of the first 3G pitches in professional Welsh rugby. The all-weather surface allows year-round playability for Cardiff Rugby, Cardiff RFC, and a range of community and corporate clients.

Latest News

Cardiff Rugby Conclude 2025-26 URC Season

Published

30 May 2026

Article Summary

Cardiff Rugby completed the 2025-26 United Rugby Championship season after a campaign that saw the club continue to consolidate following the WRU takeover. The season featured the return of Wales national fixtures to the Arms Park, the popular Summerfest pre-season event, and continued strong home form. The 2025-26 season was the fifth URC campaign for Cardiff Rugby as one of the four professional Welsh regions.

Cardiff Arms Park to Host Key Wales Fixtures in 2025-26 Season

Cardiff Arms Park - Home of Cardiff Rugby