The Football Association has confirmed a significant change to the traditional venue for this year's Community Shield match. In an official announcement, the FA revealed that the prestigious season-opening fixture will be played at Cardiff's Principality Stadium rather than its customary home at Wembley Stadium in London.
Wembley Unavailable Due to Concert Commitments
The decision to relocate the Community Shield stems from Wembley Stadium's scheduling conflicts on August 15 and 16, 2024. The national stadium has pre-existing commitments hosting multiple concerts during this period, making it unavailable for football matches. Specifically, international recording artist The Weeknd is scheduled to perform five consecutive shows at Wembley between August 14 and 19, occupying the venue throughout the traditional Community Shield weekend.
Cardiff's Football History with the Community Shield
This will not be the first time the Principality Stadium has hosted the Community Shield. Between 2001 and 2006, while Wembley underwent its extensive reconstruction project, Cardiff's national stadium served as the temporary home for six consecutive Community Shield matches. The venue has established itself as a capable alternative for major football events, having previously accommodated this important fixture during Wembley's absence.
Furthermore, the Principality Stadium has been selected as the host venue for the opening match of Euro 2028, which will be jointly hosted by England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This demonstrates the stadium's continued importance in the UK's football landscape and its capacity to stage significant international tournaments.
Historical Precedents for Community Shield Relocations
Since the Community Shield returned to the newly rebuilt Wembley Stadium in 2007, this marks only the third occasion the match has been moved to an alternative venue. In 2012, the fixture was relocated to Villa Park in Birmingham due to Wembley's preparations for the London Olympic Games. More recently, in 2022, the Community Shield was played at Leicester's King Power Stadium while Wembley hosted the final of the Women's European Championship.
The match traditionally features the previous season's Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners. Crystal Palace claimed the Community Shield trophy in August 2025, and this year's edition will determine their successor as the 2024-2025 football season officially commences.
The Football Association has indicated that additional details regarding ticket sales, broadcast arrangements, and specific match timing will be announced in the coming weeks as preparations for the relocated Community Shield continue to develop.
