National Stadium (Ireland)
Venue
The stadium was opened by government minister Frank Aiken in 1939. It is owned by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) and has been used by them for over 60 years as the venue for their national and international contests.
Music
Historically, the stadium was used as a music venue, regularly hosting bands such as Horslips, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, U2, Van Morrison, The Smiths, and many others. On 26 February 1980, the band U2 performed a concert at the venue which was attended by executives of Island Records; at the end of the show, the label signed the band to their first recording contract.
Professional wrestling
Beginning in the 21st century, the venue has become a regular venue for professional wrestling events. Wrestling promotions such as Irish Whip Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action and Over the Top Wrestling have held events in the building.
Facilities
The venue is situated on the South Circular Road between Clanbrassil Street to the east and Dolphin's Barn to the west. The stadium stages amateur and professional boxing and professional wrestling bouts as well as providing facilities for concerts, conferences and corporate hospitality events.
Capacity
The capacity of the stadium is 2,080 for music events, which is reduced to 1,954 for boxing and wrestling events to accommodate the boxing or wrestling ring. The Ringside club seats up to 400 people for parties or seated dining, but some junior boxing events also take place here.
Refurbishment
In December 1999, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Jim McDaid, announced a £1.3m grant under the Sports Capital Programme to undertake the refurbishment of the stadium. The two-storey building was provided with a new grey-coloured limestone facade during the refurbishment.
References
- ^ "Stadium Hire". Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Over ninety years of Irish Amateur Boxing". IABA. Archived from the original on 5 February 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
- ^ "Facilities at The National Stadium". National Stadium. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
- ^ Cunnigham, Mark (2013). Horslips: Tall Tales - The Official Biography. O'Brien Press. p. 70. ISBN 978-1-84717-586-1.
- ^ "National Stadium review". Time Out. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
- ^ O'Toole, Leagues (2006). The Humours of Planxty. Ireland: Hodder Headline. ISBN 03-4083-796-9.
- ^ Kootnikof, David (2010). U2: A Musical Biography. ABC-CLIO. p. 12. ISBN 9780313365232.
- ^ "Professional wrestling events held in the National Stadium, Ireland". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ Brennan, Corey (19 March 2024). "OTT ScrapperMania 8 Announced For 8/10". Fightful. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "About The National Stadium". National Stadium. Archived from the original on 15 June 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
- ^ "£1.3m grant for National Boxing Stadium - McDaid". Department of Art, Sports and Tourism. Archived from the original on 3 May 2006. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
- ^ "CASE STUDY 5 – NATIONAL BOXING STADIUM". Department of Art, Sports and Tourism. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 13 July 2007.