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A major sporting showdown could see a city stadium stay open into the early hours.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is seeking permission to remain open until 3.30am to host the long-awaited heavyweight boxing bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, scheduled for December 11.
The major fight is expected to have a significant impact on Newport’s hotels, with a search by the Argus on September 25 already showing many fully booked.
The bout is expected to draw tens of thousands of boxing fans to Cardiff on a Friday night, many of whom will need to travel home in the early hours of Saturday morning after the main event concludes.
This is expected to place extra pressure not only on rail services but also on the M4, which is already known for heavy congestion, particularly around Newport.
Millennium Stadium plc has applied to Cardiff Council for a one-off extension to its premises licence to allow the fight to take place.
A council spokesperson said: “This is to facilitate the proposed Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury bout, with the ring walk commencing at 01:00.”
Current conditions permit boxing and wrestling entertainment only until 1am.
The application requests an extension until 3am, along with permission for live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales during that period.
A short live music performance is planned before the main event.
The stadium would close at 3.30am under the proposed changes.
Organisers have assured the council that the stadium roof will remain closed throughout the event and that additional security and stewarding will be in place.
The licence variation must be publicly advertised for 28 consecutive days, including a notice displayed at the venue.
Members of the public and other authorities may make an objection to the Principality Stadium application, or a comment in support, until November 3.
If no relevant representations are received, the council must grant the application.
If objections are made then a council hearing will be held to consider them.
This may result in modifications to the conditions of the licence, or the application may be refused altogether.
Cardiff Council leader Chris Weaver has welcomed the event.
He said: “The contest at Principality Stadium has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the city and attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.
“Major events provide a welcome boost for local businesses, support jobs and showcase Cardiff to a global audience.
“There are still some arrangements to be finalised with the organisers, including any required changes to Principality Stadium’s premises licence, but we are looking forward to welcoming fans to the city for what promises to be an unforgettable night of boxing.”
The fight is expected to draw thousands of visitors and viewers from around the world.
