June 20, 2025
On Friday, I attended the 1888 Cup match with Argentina vs. the Lions (a team consisting of players from Great Britain and Ireland) at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. It was my first-ever rugby game with over 50,000 fans in attendance! I was fascinated by the difference in atmosphere compared to the United States; especially the respect that fans had for both teams. I witnessed supporters from opposing teams making joyful conversation with one another, rather than arguing about which team was better.
In terms of accessibility at Aviva stadium, I did not immediately notice types of physical accessibility options such as elevators, ramps, or wide doorways and hallways. Instead, my friend and I navigated our way into the stadium alongside a large volume of fans pushing their way into many small revolving gates, then climbed multiple flights of stairs to reach a relatively small walkway. It was a bit overwhelming, to say the least. I found myself wondering how the stadium truly accommodates those who rely on accessibility support.
According to Aviva Stadium’s website, people with disabilities can purchase accessible tickets and parking. However, access to the parking facility closes two hours before events begin due to road closures. People with parking passess can enter the stadium up to two hours before the sporting event starts, yet this option does not apply for concerts. Guide dogs are allowed into the stadium, but the website does not disclose additional details and expects attendees to contact the event organizer to discuss personal requirements prior to purchasing tickets. Additional accessibility options are listed on their website.
At a stadium that seated more than 50,000 fans, I was not impressed with the accessibility options at Aviva Stadium. It appears to be difficult for fans with disabilities to navigate the large stadium with crowds swarming the entrances. Not only can contacting the event organizer be unreliable, but having to wait two hours early just to avoid the crowds seems unnecessarily burdensome.
