The Ultimate Guide to Aviva Stadium Dublin

Aviva Stadium, located in the heart of Dublin, is one of Ireland’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues. It has become a must-visit destination for sports fans, concert-goers, and tourists alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Aviva Stadium, from its history and design to practical tips for your visit.

Introduction to Aviva Stadium

• Location: Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
• Opened: May 14, 2010
• Capacity: 51,700 (all-seater)
• Primary Uses: Rugby, football (soccer), and concerts

Aviva Stadium is the home ground for both the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Republic of Ireland national football team. Its unique oval design and modern facilities make it a standout venue.

History of Aviva Stadium

• Lansdowne Road Era: Before Aviva Stadium, the site housed Lansdowne Road Stadium, which was built in 1872. It was one of the oldest rugby stadiums in the world.
• Redevelopment: In 2007, Lansdowne Road was demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art stadium.
• Collaboration: The project was a partnership between the IRFU and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
• Opening Ceremony: The stadium officially opened in May 2010 with a rugby match between Leinster and Munster.

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Design and Architecture

Feature	Details
Architectural Style	Modern, with a curved, bowl-like shape
Roof	Transparent polycarbonate for natural light
Seating Arrangement	Tiered seating ensuring great visibility
Sustainability	Designed with energy efficiency in mind

• Unique Shape: The oval design reduces noise pollution in the surrounding residential area.
• Accessibility: The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts and designated seating areas.

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Events at Aviva Stadium

Aviva Stadium hosts a variety of events, including:

Sports

1. Rugby Matches:
   • Six Nations Championships
   • Autumn Internationals
   • European Champions Cup matches
2. Football Matches:
   • UEFA qualifiers
   • International friendlies
   • FAI Cup finals

Concerts

• Major artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay have performed here.
• The acoustics and open-air design make it a favorite venue for live music.

Other Events

• Corporate conferences
• Community events

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Facilities and Amenities

• Food and Drink:
  • Multiple kiosks and bars offering snacks, meals, and beverages.
  • Options include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
• Restrooms:
  • Ample restrooms with baby-changing facilities.
• Wi-Fi:
  • Free Wi-Fi available throughout the stadium.
• Merchandise:
  • Official stores selling team merchandise and souvenirs.

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How to Get to Aviva Stadium

By Public Transport

1. DART (Train):
   • Closest station: Lansdowne Road (right next to the stadium).
2. Bus:
   • Dublin Bus routes 4, 7, and 7A serve the area.

By Car

• Parking:
  • Limited parking near the stadium.
  • Use park-and-ride options or public transport.

By Bike

• Dedicated bike racks are available near the entrances.

Walking

• The stadium is a 20-minute walk from Dublin city center.

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Ticket Information Of Aviva Stadium

Where to Buy Tickets

• Official Website: www.avivastadium.ie
• Ticketmaster: Official partner for concerts and events.

Types of Tickets

• General Admission
• Premium Seating
• Corporate Boxes

Tips for Buying Tickets

• Plan Ahead: High-demand events like international rugby matches or major concerts sell out quickly.
• Check Resale Options: Only use trusted platforms like Ticketmaster Resale for secure purchases.
• Student Discounts: Some events offer discounted tickets for students.

Collecting Tickets

• E-Tickets: Most tickets are digital and can be accessed via your phone.
• Will-Call: Physical tickets can be picked up at the box office if purchased in advance.

For more details, check the event-specific guidelines on the official website.

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Aviva Stadium Seating Plan

Aviva Stadium has a modern, oval-shaped seating arrangement designed for excellent visibility from every seat. The stadium is divided into four main tiers:

1. Lower Tier: Closest to the pitch, offering an immersive experience.
2. Premium Level: Mid-tier with wider seats and access to exclusive lounges.
3. Upper Tier: Provides a panoramic view of the action, ideal for large events.
4. Corporate Boxes: Private suites with luxury seating and amenities.

The seating is color-coded, and each ticket specifies the section, row, and seat number for easy navigation. Accessible seating for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues is available across all levels.

For detailed seating arrangements, you can view the official stadium seating map on Aviva Stadium’s website.

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Parking Near Aviva Stadium

Parking near Aviva Stadium is limited, so it’s best to plan ahead.

1. On-Site Parking: Not available for most events, except for accessibility needs (pre-booking required).
2. Nearby Car Parks:
   • Q-Park at Grand Canal Square (15-minute walk)
   • Park Rite IFSC (20-minute walk)
3. Residential Areas: Avoid parking in nearby residential streets due to strict regulations and fines.
4. Park and Ride: Use Dublin’s park-and-ride facilities and take public transport to Lansdowne Road Station, right next to the stadium.

Public transport or walking is often the easiest way to access the stadium during events.

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Hotels Near Aviva Stadium

Staying near Aviva Stadium is convenient for event-goers, with several excellent hotels located nearby:

1. Sandymount Hotel
   • Distance: 5-minute walk
   • Features: Comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and free parking.
2. Herbert Park Hotel
   • Distance: 10-minute walk
   • Features: Luxurious rooms overlooking Herbert Park, fitness center, and fine dining.
3. Ballsbridge Hotel
   • Distance: 10-minute walk
   • Features: Spacious rooms, pub-style restaurant, and easy access to public transport.
4. Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
   • Distance: 15-minute walk
   • Features: Historic building, modern amenities, and family-friendly options.
5. InterContinental Dublin
   • Distance: 20-minute walk
   • Features: 5-star luxury with spa facilities and elegant dining.

Book early during events to secure your stay. Most hotels offer easy access to the stadium by foot or public transport.

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Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your visit to Dublin by exploring nearby attractions:

Attraction	Distance from Stadium	Description
Dublin City Center	2 km	Shops, pubs, and historic landmarks.
Sandymount Strand	1.5 km	A scenic beach for a relaxing stroll.
National Gallery of Ireland	3 km	Free entry to stunning art collections.

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Tips for Visiting Aviva Stadium

1. Arrive Early: Avoid queues and enjoy pre-match entertainment.
2. Dress Comfortably: Dublin weather can be unpredictable.
3. Follow Security Guidelines: Avoid carrying large bags.
4. Explore Food Options: Try local Irish snacks at the stadium.
5. Plan Your Transport: Check public transport schedules ahead of time.

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FAQs

Q: Can I take a tour of Aviva Stadium?

A: Yes, guided tours are available. They include access to the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, and pitch side.

Q: Is the stadium family-friendly?

A: Absolutely! There are family seating areas and facilities for children.

Q: Are there any hotels near Aviva Stadium?

A: Yes, several hotels like Sandymount Hotel and Herbert Park Hotel are within walking distance.

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Conclusion

Aviva Stadium is more than just a sports venue; it’s a cultural landmark that brings people together for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a sports fan, a music lover, or simply exploring Dublin, a visit to Aviva Stadium is a must. Plan your trip today and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this world-class stadium.