Champion Cardiff!
COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO HOSTING THE WORLD’S BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT... DUBBED A ‘TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY’ FOR SOUTH WALES:
TODAY marks 100 days to go until one of the world’s biggest sporting events comes to Wales.
The eyes of the world will be on Cardiff as the Principality Stadium hosts the Uefa Champions League final on June 3 in what will be the largest ever sporting event to be held in the country, with a live TV audience of 200 million expected to watch.
Only 16 teams are left in this year’s competition with the potential for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris St Germain, Arsenal and Manchester City to be in Cardiff for the final.
While the remaining teams battle it out, plans are under way to ensure the 2017 final is one of the best to date.
Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), said: “The 100 Days To Go represents an exciting milestone in the countdown to one of the biggest events to have been staged in Wales, the Uefa Champions League final 2017.
“An event of this magnitude affords us a tremendous opportunity to continue to grow the game here in Wales, and have a positive and long-lasting effect on Welsh football.
“Euro 2016 showed many people across Europe that Wales is a proud and successful footballing nation; to host the UCL final 12 months later once again puts Wales on the map.
“The FAW, as host association awarded the event back in 2015, has cited qualifying for major tournaments and the staging of major football finals as core objectives of its strategic plan.
“Delivering against these objectives is a critical component of the ambitious commitment of the FAW to promote and develop football. While the footballing world turns its attention to Cardiff, it’s vital that we ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity to feel part of this fantastic event.”
In the lead-up to the match there will be a number of initiatives launched by the FAW, including a Wales-wide trophy tour, school education programme, a five-a-side national cup competition, girls’ football festivals and more.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said it was a “huge honour” for Wales to host the Champions League final and he is looking forward to welcoming people from all over the world.
He added: “Wales has a proven track record for successfully staging major events and I am confident we will once again rise to the challenge and provide a fantastically memorable experience to the thousands of football fans who will visit our capital city.
“For local people looking to get a taste of the Uefa Champions League experience, the Champions Festival, which will be staged in and around Cardiff Bay in the days leading up to the final, will give an opportunity to mingle with visiting fans.”
Cardiff council leader Phil Bale said excitement for the final had already started to build in the city.
He said: “The economic benefits will be significant, as the event is predicted to generate £45m in benefits. We look forward to giving a warm welcome to the finalists when they arrive”
Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Martyn Phillips said the Principality Stadium, owned by the WRU, was the “perfect stage” for the match.
He said: “(The final) is the latest and greatest sporting addition to our proud history of bringing more than 450 major events to Cardiff and everyone is looking forward to welcoming the finalists in 100 days.”