Dublin is gearing up for the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night as Atalanta & Bayer Leverkusen face off for European silverware.
It is the second time Dublin has hosted the Europa League final after 2011, when Porto beat Braga 1-0 after a goal from Radamel Falcoao.
In preparation for the final, Dublin City Council (DCC) said they would like to inform the public that established match practices at the Aviva Stadium and surrounding areas for the UEFA Europa League Final 2024 will differ from normal.
This is due to the different profiles in attendees, mobility patterns and ticketing systems.
What time does the match kick off?
The game kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, May 22nd.
DCC said due to the potential for extra time and penalties, it is possible the event will run until approximately 11pm.
A traffic cordon will be established from 3pm at the following locations with all closures controlled by An Garda Síochána:
- Lansdowne Road – both sides from Northumberland Road to Herbert Road
- Shelbourne Road – both sides from Ballsbridge to Bath Avenue
- Bath Avenue – both sides from Londonbridge Road to Shelbourne Road
- Newbridge Avenue l Herbert Road l Lansdowne Lane from Northumberland Road to Shelbourne Road
- Lansdowne Park
Access will be maintained for residents in so far as it is safe to do so, on production of valid driving licence and/or proof of address.
It may be necessary to exclude all traffic from the above roads if the volume of pedestrian traffic is such as to be unsafe to allow vehicular traffic access.
This may occur prior to the event when patrons are entering the stadium or after the event when patrons are exiting the stadium.
Lansdowne Road Dart Station will be closed from 4pm on the day of the match due to security reasons.
Dart services will continue as scheduled, but passengers will have to disembark at either Grand Canal Dock or Sandymount stations during these times.
A shuttle bus for people with a mobility impairment will operate between Sandymount Dart Station and the Sandymount Hotel.
Where are the fan meet up points located?
Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium and RDS Simmonscourt will be the respective locations for the two Fan Meeting Points (FMP’s).
Atalanta have been assigned to FMP South (RDS Simmonscourt) and Bayer Leverkusen to FMP North (Shelbourne Park)
These venues, one to the north side of the stadium and one to the south, will act as a designated meeting point for ticketed fans of each finalist team to congregate before the match and move to the stadium in unison.
Each FMP will also act as a coach staging point for the large cohort of fans who will be due to arrive in on chartered flights on the day of the match and leave in the early hours of Thursday, May 23rd.
FMP’s are a regular feature at UEFA Club Competition Finals and provide an attractive option for fans of each specific team to congregate in one area close to the stadium where they can avail of food & beverage options, toilets and information.
It is expected the two finalist clubs will also provide a programme of entertainment at each respective FMP.
Will there be a fan festival for other fans?
The Official UEL 2024 Fan Festival will take place in Dublin Castle and will run from 11am – 10pm on Tuesday 21st May and 10am – 5pm on Wednesday, May 22nd.
The Fan Festival will be officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, at 11:15am on Tuesday, 21st May. The event will feature:
- Fun interactive football-themed activations by the event sponsors
- The Europa League Trophy (photo opportunity)
- Giant jerseys
- Team walls
- Live entertainment including music acts and DJ
- Fan shop featuring official merchandise
- Food & drink concessions
A small-sided pitch will be installed in the upper courtyard of the castle, featuring a full programme of activity over the two days. This will include some local community groups and the highly anticipated UEFA legends game.
The event is a free non-ticketed, family-friendly event that will appeal not just to fans of the two finalists but to local football fans of all ages who want to soak up the atmosphere.
A Giant Trophy installation will be installed on North Earl Street, close to the junction with O’Connell Street.
The three-metre high replica of the UEFA Europa League Trophy will be in place from Monday, May 20th until Wednesday, May 22nd, offering a unique photo opportunity.
