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Cardiff is one of the UK’s leading destinations for live sport, home to iconic stadiums, passionate supporters and major international sporting events. From watching Wales play rugby at Principality Stadium and catching a football match to experiencing live ice hockey or trying white water rafting in Cardiff Bay, there are plenty of ways to enjoy sport in the Welsh capital.
Planning a trip around a big match or looking for an active city break? Explore upcoming sports events, discover Cardiff’s sporting venues and find exciting activities to enjoy during your stay.
Why is Cardiff a City for Sports Fans?
Frequently welcoming major sporting events, historic venues, professional teams and opportunities to participate in sport, coupled with our welcoming atmosphere, excellent transport links plus a compact and walkable city centre makes Cardiff a standout location for sports fans.
Upcoming Sports Events
Major Sporting Events in Cardiff
Cardiff has hosted, or co-hosted, many major sporting events in recent years; including the 2012 Olympics, 2015 Rugby World Cup, 2017 UEFA Champions League Final, 2018 Volvo Ocean Race, and the EPCR Champions Cup Final in 2025, to name but a few. Looking ahead, Cardiff has more exciting sporting occasions on the horizon too…
Tour de France is Coming to Cardiff!
In summer 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will both begin in Great Britain - the first time both Grand Départs have taken place in the same country, outside France. We're very proud that the men's race will end here in Cardiff on Sunday 4 July.
UEFA Euro 28 Host City
Cardiff is very proud to be a host city for UEFA Euro 28. We are honoured that the tournament's opening match will take place at the National Stadium of Wales, here in the city, on Friday 9 June 2028. A total of 6 matches will be played in the Welsh capital including a last 16 match and a quarter final, as well as group stage matches.
Sports & Stadiums in the City Centre
Few cities offer sporting venues as accessible as Cardiff, with iconic venues and professional teams based in the city centre. Hosting international rugby, major football fixtures, and global sporting events within just minutes of shops, restaurants, and hotels, Cardiff creates an electric atmosphere that attracts sports fans from around the world.
Sophia Gardens
In a very picturesque spot on the banks of the river Taff, the Cardiff Wales stadium is a cricket ground with a capacity of over 15,000 spectators. Home to both Glamorgan County Cricket Club and The Hundred team, Welsh Fire, as well as hosting periodic international cricket, there is plenty of action on offer. Outside of match days, you can also book a Sophia Gardens Stadium Tour or visit the Museum of Welsh Cricket.
Vindico Arena
Home to the Cardiff Devils, an Elite Ice Hockey League team, the ice arena was opened in 2016 and has a capacity of over 3,000 spectators. Situated in Cardiff Bay's International Sports Village, the arena has seen some epic nights, with the Devils claiming their most recent success, the Playoff title, as recently as 2025. Get on the ice yourself with both public and figure skating sessions available.
Cardiff Arms Park
This truly historic sporting venue has been used for rugby matches since the 1870s, although work on the current stadium began in 1969, replacing the cricket ground that formerly occupied the site. With a current capacity of over 12,000, the ground is now home to professional Union side, Cardiff Rugby, who play in the Unified Rugby Championship and won the European Challenge Cup title in 2018.
Cardiff City Stadium
Cardiff's second largest stadium is situated in the city's suburb of Leckwith and was opened in 2009, when Cardiff City FC moved just across the road from their historic former home, Ninian Park. Expanded in 2014 to host the UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Sevilla, the stadium now has a full capacity of over 33,000 fans and is also used for home fixtures of the Wales national football team.
Active Experiences for Visitors
Sport in Cardiff isn’t just about watching the action. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor and leisure activities during their stay. Cardiff Bay offers excellent opportunities for water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing, while the city’s extensive parklands are perfect for walking, running, and cycling.
Bute Park, located next to Cardiff Castle, is one of the largest urban parks in the UK and a favourite spot for visitors looking to stay active while sightseeing.
Why Visit Cardiff for Sport?
With its walkable city centre, excellent transport links, and welcoming atmosphere, Cardiff is an ideal destination for sports-focused travel. The combination of major events, historic venues, and opportunities to participate in sport makes Cardiff a standout choice for weekend breaks, group trips, and international visitors.
Whether you’re a passionate sports fan or simply looking for exciting things to do in Cardiff, the city’s sporting scene offers unforgettable experiences all year round.
Planning your Sports Trip to Cardiff?
Coming to Cardiff for live sports? Make the most of it. Our compact city centre means that many sporting venues are within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, attractions and hotels.
Cardiff: A City for Everyone
Discover what makes Cardiff a special city. With its rich history and Welsh culture, a vibrant arts scene, waterfront, green spaces, food, sport and unique city-centre attractions. Cardiff is a city for everyone.