The stadium was opened in June 1999, and the first major event held on it, was an international Rugby Union match. 26 June, 1999, Wales defeated South Africa in a friendly match with a score of 29-19 before 29 thousands of fans. The total capacity 74,500 it is the third largest stadium on the six Nations Cup after the Stade de France and Твикенхема. Also it is the second-capacity stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof.