The eyes of the world will be on Dublin tonight as the Europa League Final takes place in the Dublin Stadium, which we might know a little better as the Aviva Stadium.
UEFA have been on site since the beginning of the month and there are a number of differences to the running of the event than we might expect as regular visitors to the ground.
Parking in the area will be very difficult with a number of additional road closures and Lansdowne Road Station will be closed with Sandymount and Grand Canal Dock the preferred means of public transport. A flipside to the extra walk is that all public transport towards the ground is free tonight for ticket holders. You just have to show your ticket.
The game will kick off at 8 pm and will be televised live here on Virgin media and around the world.
Gates will open at 5 pm primarily for the large travelling contingents from Italy and Germany. There are fan zones open at Dublin Castle and Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium and if you have ever been to a UEFA Final you’ll be aware that they will be worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere.
All of the sponsors will have activations around the city, in the ground and online.
They include Just Eat who released their ‘Any Given Sunday’ activation last week, Bwin who have given their rights to sister company Ladbrokes for on the ground activation, Heineken 0.0 and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has supported the hosting of this event along with partners in UEFA, the FAI, Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, Dublin Airport, the National Transport Authority and more.
“As Ireland looks forward to co-hosting EURO 2028 with the UK, it is wonderful to see our capital city showcased this year, with our hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final,” said Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne.
“In order for Ireland to both attract and ensure the success of major international sporting events, significant work and preparation over many years is undertaken. I am glad to note the support and role of the Government of Ireland, Dublin City Council, state agencies and authorities, in making Dublin’s hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final a reality. I hope all football fans, both at home and abroad, enjoy this exciting final.”
I am fortunate enough to be going to the game tonight and will report tomorrow on the atmosphere, the activations and everything eles around one of the most globally high profile sporting events to be stage here this year.
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