The home of Welsh rugby – the Millennium Stadium – an award winning UEFA category 5 stadium – is at the heart of the FAW’s bid to secure a package of matches consisting of three group games plus either a last 16 or a quarter final match.
The FAW’s bid has the full support of a host of key stakeholders including the Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff & Bristol Airports, and the key rail land bus operators.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis, said: “The Millennium Stadium would be honoured to welcome the UEFA EURO 2020 Championships to Wales. To ensure we provide UEFA with a venue worthy of such a great event we are investing significantly in the Stadium and the surrounding area, with the assistance of the Welsh Government and Cardiff City Council.
“We will install a new DESSO pitch this summer which together with our unrivalled fully-retractable roofing system will guarantee the best possible playing surface.
“Add to this our significant seating and hospitality capacity, the unique city centre location and that we will have the very latest plug and play broadcast technology and I believe the Millennium Stadium provides UEFA with the perfect venue for EURO 2020.”
FAW Chief Executive Jonathan Ford, said: “The FAW is thrilled to submit its UEFA EURO 2020 bid and we believe that we have a strong and compelling proposition. The Millennium Stadium, with a capacity of almost 75,000 as well as 100 hospitality boxes, would generate a significant financial contribution for UEFA.
Ford added that legacy is an important focus of the bid plans, saying: “In order to help ensure a lasting positive impact from hosting this prestigious tournament, the FAW will create a UEFA EURO 2020 Legacy Fund, into which the FAW will reinvest the surplus it generates from staging UEFA EURO 2020. This legacy fund will be used to support grass roots Welsh football and will have a positive impact on communities throughout Wales.”
Welsh International and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale added: “This could be the beginning of a great period for Welsh international football. I believe we have a real opportunity of qualifying for the 2016 European Championship Finals in France. It would then be an unbelievable experience to play in the 2020 European Championship finals in my home city of Cardiff.
“I have been fortunate to play in some of the world’s greatest stadia but nothing matches the atmosphere and passion generated by the Millennium Stadium. These are exciting times for Welsh football and I’m really proud to offer my full support to the FAW’s UEFA EURO 2020 bid.”
Wales First Minister, Carwyn Jones said: “I am delighted to support the FAW’s bid to stage the UEFA EURO 2020 Championships.
Wales has a proven track record in delivering, for event owners and to the world, successful, high profile sporting events. Organisers of the Rugby World Cup, the Ashes test match, the Ryder Cup and Olympic football fixtures have all found us to be a responsive and welcoming host nation of the highest calibre.
“Anyone who has experienced Cardiff, in particular, on a match or event day will know how our great capital city comes alive as a fan-friendly and exciting visitor zone. By working together, Team Wales can help deliver a safe, secure and truly exceptional event.”
