A. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will be the focus of domestic football this year - with the FA Cup and all Football league playoff finals being held in the Welsh city. The stadium can seat 72,500, and is almost 50% larger than Cardiff Arms Park, which it replaced. The entire stadium has been turned 90% during the redevelopment work - the pitch now lines up north to south, instead of east to west. Of course, its really unique feature is its retractable roof.

Q. How does that work?
A. The roof is comprised of two panels, which, when open, are 'parked' over the South and North stands. Each panel is 55m by 776 m. When closed they cover the 111m opening to form a waterproof cover. It takes 20 minutes for them to be closed. From the pitch level to the roof is 33m.

Q. Has any other British stadium got a roof like that?
A. No, the only comparable one in Europe is  the Amsterdam Arena, which has a 50,000 capacity.

Q. Is there a long history of sport in Cardiff?
A. The park was donated to the people of Cardiff by Lord Bute in 1848, and used for cricket. The first grandstand on the site was opened in 1885. Over the years the stadium grew slowly. In 1941, the North Stand was wrecked by the Luftwaffe.

Q. Cardiff  Arms Park was famous for rugby. But was anything else held there?
A. In 1956, they redeveloped the south side of the ground to hold the Empire Games. As well as seating, there was room for 47,000 standing spectators.

Q. It was the scene of some great triumphs wasn't it?
A. During the 1970s and 80s, the greatest Welsh teams graced its pitch, and the stadium was wholly reconstructed during the 1970s.

Q. Any great records set there?
A. In 1988, Paul Thorburn established a world record with a penalty kick of 70 yards and 8.5 inches.

Q. What was the last game held at the old Cardiff Arms Park?
A. The 1997 SWALEC Cup Final.

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