Aviva Stadium

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | August 27, 2023

Where Irish Football Roars and American Athleticism Soars

Notre Dame Crowd in front of Temple Bar on Game Day

If you’re ready for an expedition that fuses the allure of Australian exploration and American athleticism with the grandeur of Irish hospitality, then the Aviva Stadium in Dublin beckons. This is a place where sports, culture, and camaraderie harmonize to create an unforgettable experience.

Now, before we delve into the thrilling world of the Aviva Stadium, let’s set the record straight: soccer, or as the Irish and most of the rest of the world outside North America call it, football, takes centre stage on certain Saturday nights. But hold onto your hats, because there’s an even more exciting twist to this tale.

Kennedy’s Notre Dame vs. Navy Display of Balloons

The final Saturday in August, when the lush emerald fields of the Aviva Stadium transform into a battleground for American college football. This year, it’s Notre Dame versus Navy, and the fervour is palpable. The “Fightin’ Irish” fans have painted the streets of Dublin 2 with a kaleidoscope of team colours, as Temple Bar becomes a lively spectacle of good-natured banter and spirited anticipation.

Now, let’s rewind a bit and delve into the rich history of the Aviva Stadium. This architectural marvel was unveiled in 2010 when Scott Tallon Walker teamed up with HOK SVE (Populous) in a joint venture to create a fitting successor to the oldest international rugby ground in the world. This collaboration brought together the expertise and creativity of both firms to design and realize the architectural vision of the stadium.

The stadium stands as a testament to their visionary expertise, boasting a design that marries modernity with the timeless essence of Dublin.

Aviva Stadium

Speaking of design, you might wonder how much of this stadium is exposed to the open sky. Well, get ready for a surprise – a substantial portion of the Aviva Stadium is, indeed, open air. The genius architects ensured that the elements of nature play a role in the grand spectacle of each game. Envision yourself immersed in the heart-pounding thrill of being part of a roaring crowd while the breeze and 22 footballers carry the fervour of the game across the field.

Now, let’s clear the air about those stadium tours. While it’s true that for a while they seemed to be on a siesta, there’s hope on the horizon. We hope the Aviva Stadium might re-open its gates for guided tours, just like its sibling, the iconic Croke Park. So, stay tuned, explorers, for a chance to immerse yourself in the stadium’s secrets, stories, and striking architecture.

But that’s not all this stadium is about. The Aviva Stadium isn’t just a canvas for sporting events and concerts; it’s also a stage for conferences that pack a punch. With a seating capacity of 30,000 less than its sibling Croke Park, the Aviva Stadium has a cozier yet equally impressive aura. It takes pride in being a world-class international stadium, offering an unparalleled experience for football, rugby, concerts, and conferences alike.