An independent report has confirmed the Aviva Stadium as one of Ireland’s most significant economic and social assets, delivering record annual impact across sport, entertainment, tourism and the wider economy.
The study by Indecon International Economic & Strategic Consultants found that since opening in 2010 the stadium has welcomed more than 10 million attendees across over 300 major events, generating €4.5 billion in economy-wide expenditure and supporting approximately 10,000 jobs annually across Ireland.
The stadium is also widely recognised as a national asset. According to the research, 89 per cent of the Irish public believe the venue is important for national pride, tourism and cultural visibility. A separate analysis estimates that the stadium contributes €84 million each year in wider social benefit, reflecting its broader value to society beyond the events it hosts.
The findings were presented in Dublin this week by Aviva Stadium Director Alan Gallagher and Indecon Senior Partner William Batt, pictured above.
Record Impact in 2024
The report highlights 2024 as the most impactful year in the stadium’s history.
Across the year, 33 major events attracted 1.2 million attendees and generated €832 million in total economy-wide expenditure. Those events also contributed €130 million in tax revenues and supported almost 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
The stadium’s programme included international rugby and football matches, major concerts including Taylor Swift, corporate events and the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic, demonstrating the venue’s ability to host a wide range of high-profile events that attract both domestic and overseas audiences.
International Tourism Gateway
A key driver of the stadium’s economic impact is its ability to attract international visitors.
In 2024, the report estimates that 129,900 attendees travelled from outside the state to attend events at the stadium. Their spending generated €417 million in net additional economic impact — activity that would not otherwise have entered the Irish economy.
In some years, overseas visitors account for more than half of the venue’s total economic impact. These include supporters travelling for international football and rugby fixtures, music fans attending concerts, and growing numbers of visitors coming to Ireland for American college football games.
Beyond the stadium itself, the report also highlights the benefit for surrounding businesses. Local hospitality operators reported that up to nine per cent of their annual revenue is directly or indirectly linked to events taking place at the stadium.
Strong Outlook to 2029
Looking ahead, Indecon forecasts that the stadium will continue to generate major national economic benefit.
Between 2025 and 2029, the venue is projected to deliver an average economic impact of €815 million per year, including €614 million annually in gross value added and €126 million in Exchequer returns.
The impact is expected to peak in 2028 when Dublin hosts seven matches as part of UEFA Euro 2028, an event forecast to contribute €942 million to the Irish economy.
Across the period, spending by visitors from outside the state is projected to average €410 million per year, underlining the venue’s role in attracting international tourism.
“This report shows that the Aviva Stadium is far more than a venue — it is a national engine for jobs, tourism, economic growth and cultural life,” said Alan Gallagher, CEO of Aviva Stadium. “The breadth of activity we host, from football and rugby to concerts and college football, brings millions of people together each year and delivers substantial economic and social value for Ireland.”
Image Credit: Aviva Stadium and Sam Barnes, Sportsfile
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