Cardiff is set to be home to a 15,000 capacity multi-purpose arena very soon! Economy Minister Ken Skates has told BBC Wales News that a venue of this size is “crucially important” for Wales, so the country can attract more major sporting and music events in the future.
The capital city of Wales boasts the 74,000 seater Principality Stadium, and the Motorpoint Arena which has a maximum capacity of 7,000, along with smaller venues such as The Globe, and The Tramshed which hold 350-1000 respectively.
But the Welsh government now wants an arena in between for music and sporting events. In the future Cardiff want to host the BBC’s annual Sports Personality of the Year ceremony as well as other major live music events. “It is well recognised that Cardiff needs a bigger arena,” added Mr Skates.
Other major UK cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield all already have big arenas of this size while Bristol has a £92m venue planned.
The Welsh Government wants to ensure that South Wales can compete with other areas of Britain in their ability to host major music concerts and sporting events.
Cardiff council have also said they acknowledge the plans for a 15,000 capacity arena saying it is a “major priority” and Russell Goodway, who is the cabinet member for investment and development, added: “We intend to bring forward our plans in the next few months.”
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