Principality Stadium completes landmark infrastructure upgrade for 25th anniversary

Already celebrated as a world-class venue and the spiritual home of Welsh Rugby, the iconic Principality Stadium has recently undergone a major infrastructure transformation to mark its 25th anniversary in June last year. Numerous new Axess control systems were also installed for better management and fan experience.  

Situated in the heart of Cardiff, the stadium is known for its vibrant matchday atmosphere and a tradition of fans arriving just before kick-off. The combination of high-energy pre-match entertainment, dynamic light shows, and the fast, contactless entry enabled by Axess technology has significantly improved the ingress process.

Transformative upgrades to a beloved stadium

The extensive upgrade includes the addition of a brand-new “roof walk” attraction, the installation of a Musco Show-Light entertainment system, and significant enhancements to the stadium’s core LAN and Wi-Fi infrastructure. Most notably, the enhancement involved the installation of new access control systems, replacing the previous manual gate release and handheld ticket scanning processes at over 146 entry points throughout the stadium.

The upgrade includes 117 AX500 Smart Gate NG turnstile asymmetric fixed mounted with Axess Smart Scanner 600 NFC, 3 AX500 Smart Gate NG turnstile ADA with Smart Scanner 600 NFC, 25 Axess HANDHELD 600, 2 Axess PEDESTAL 600 NFC for wheelchair access and 24 AX500 Smart Gate NG – Mobile Pallet and WIFI that can be deployed for events and quickly removed afterward to maximise space and emergency egress.

The 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition is being held at Villa Park, Oct 6-7th. An Opening Night Icebreaker will kick things off Oct 5th at bp pulse LIVE or Utilita Arena and the SVB LIVE Awards will bring the event to a close on Oct 7th at the home of BCFC. Axess is an exhibiting sponsor and Marc Lee, Sales Manager, Principality Stadium Experience/WRU, is one of some 60+ high-calibre speakers.

More efficient access for enhanced fan experience 

The new fan entry system at Principality Stadium has significantly improved the flow of fans into the stadium. Not only has entry sped up considerably, but the pressure on stewarding has also reduced. Instead of long queues at the gates, fans are now spending more time at catering facilities.

These innovations have collectively improved operational efficiency, safety, and the overall fan experience for a wide range of high-profile events, including the Six Nations, FIM Speedway GP, Autumn Nations Series, Monster Jam, and concerts featuring global icons such as Coldplay, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Billy Joel, P!NK, Harry Styles, and Bruce Springsteen.

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Images: Ben Harrison Photography

Source: Axess

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