Liverpool and Celtic to play each other at Aviva Stadium
Event supported by The Gathering
Hope of it becoming an annual event, involving marquee teams
Will there be a role for promoting domestic game?
Soccer Dublin DeciderA pre-season challenge between Liverpool and Celtic will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on August 10th, supported as a major event within the Gathering.
It is hoped that this will become an annual event attracting different teams as part of their preparations for the major European leagues that traditionally get under way in August.
Both sides for the inaugural event have substantial support bases in Ireland and it is hoped they will attract fans from England and Scotland during a peak holiday period. It will be the first time since 1998 that the Liverpool 1st XI will play in Ireland, while Celtic are returning to the Aviva Stadium having played in 2011 in the Dublin Super Cup.
The match will be shown live in Irish, UK and international markets. An early kick-off time of 17.30 has been set to accommodate families and those attending with young children.
Tickets are priced at €10 for children and from €25 for general admission to €55 for premium level tickets. Both clubs will have substantial allocations for their travelling fans.
The FAI has said that a further ticket sales announcement will be forthcoming. It is hoped this may include discounted entry for members of official fan clubs to encourage long term supporters and make them feel they are getting something special from the game being played in their home country.
Earlier this year, the FAI hosted a number of Republic of Ireland Fan clubs from around the world in Dublin to learn more about how they could provide added value to key groups.
We would also hope that some form of promotion of Airtricity League clubs and games will be tied into the event. Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic meet in Dublin the night before the game and Shelbourne and UCD also have home fixtures.
Over 900,000 fans travel to Britain from Ireland each season to watch Premier League and other action and it would be good for the domestic game if even a small proportion of those were encouraged to look local when they are not travelling.
“This is going to be a fantastic Gathering event,” said Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, launching the event alongside Celtic Manager Neil Lennon. “It’s not every day that you can welcome two famous clubs from overseas with such strong Irish connections. I want to thank the FAI and both clubs for organising this game, and I look forward to greeting the fans when they come to Ireland.”
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