6,000 fans will be allowed to attend the second leg of the Bohemian FC’s UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round tie with Stjarnan FC of Iceland at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, July 15th.
This capacity has been agreed as part of the Government’s pilot programme for the safe return of spectators to Irish sport and follows detailed talks between all parties.
Additionally, spectator numbers at all Irish football grounds will increase from Saturday, July 3rd in line with stadium capacity.
Upcoming SSE Airtricity Premier Division, First Division and Women’s National League fixtures to feature in the pilot scheme will now include the Bray Wanderers versus Cobh Ramblers game at the Carlisle Grounds this evening with a crowd of 600 fans while Shamrock Rovers can welcome 1,000 spectators to Tallaght Stadium for tonight’s game against Dundalk and Longford Town can admit 500 fans for tomorrow’s fixture against Sligo Rovers.
All SSE Airtricity Premier & First Division and Women’s National League fixtures from Saturday, July 3rd will now be able to host 200 supporters, with 500 in attendance at stadiums whose capacity is greater than 5,000. Those stadiums are Bishopsgate, Tallaght Stadium, Turners Cross, Richmond Park and the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford.
“This is another step forward in our Return to Watch programme and we welcome the confirmation that 6,000 fans can attend the Bohemians versus Stjarnan game, the biggest crowd at an Irish football game since the pandemic began.”
“This is a major boost as we look to get supporters back to League of Ireland and Women’s National League football at pre-pandemic levels and the addition of the Aviva Stadium as a test venue is significant as we look to get our fans back into the ground for the big World Cup games in September.”
“This announcement represents real progress as football edges back to normality and spectators return to our grounds in significant numbers,” added League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon.
“I want to thank the Government agencies, the clubs and our own FAI staff who have worked so hard on this pilot scheme. I look forward to seeing so many fans in the Aviva Stadium for this European tie as football looks to again prove itself to be a safe sport in the COVID-19 era.”
Bohemian FC will now issue ticketing details to their fan base. Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer with the club, said “The recent return of supporters to Dalymount Park, even in such small numbers, has been a real boost for everyone involved with the club so this news is really welcome today.”
“We will now communicate with our fans and the Irish football public on the sale and distribution of tickets for this game and look forward to the match and a great atmosphere at the Aviva.”
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