The highly anticipated Gaelic football match between Mayo and Galway is generating a lot of interest, with fans eager to get their hands on tickets. But how much will it cost to attend this clash of the titans at Croke Park? Let’s take a look at ticket prices and availability for the big game.
When and Where is the Match?
Mayo will face Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final on Sunday, July 10th 2022. The match will take place at Croke Park stadium in Dublin, with throw-in scheduled for 3:30pm.
Croke Park can accommodate around 82,300 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Europe. With two fiercely competitive counties involved, demand for tickets is expected to far outweigh supply.
Ticket Prices
The GAA has divided Croke Park into different ticket price categories for championship matches:
Area | Adult Ticket Price |
---|---|
Hogan Stand (Sections C,L,U) | €90 |
Canal End Upper | €80 |
Canal End Lower | €70 |
Davin Stand | €60 |
Cusack Stand (Wings) | €50 |
There are also discounted ticket rates for juveniles (under 16), students and senior citizens:
Category | Ticket Price |
---|---|
Juveniles | €20 |
Students | €40 |
Senior Citizens | €40 |
This means an adult ticket can cost anywhere from €50 to €90 depending on the stand. The most expensive Hogan Stand tickets are nearly double the price of the cheapest Cusack Stand wings tickets.
Ticket Allocation
Tickets are distributed to each county via their allocation process. The majority of tickets typically go to GAA clubs in Mayo and Galway.
Season ticket holders will also have priority access to purchase tickets. There are around 14,000 season ticket holders in Croke Park.
After the participating counties and season ticket holders receive their allocations, the remainder of tickets are sold to the general public.
Likelihood of Selling Out
With a capacity of over 80,000, there should in theory be ample tickets available. However, judging by previous finals and semi-finals, this match is extremely likely to sell out rapidly.
The last time Mayo and Galway met in an All-Ireland semi-final in 2017, it was a complete sell-out at Croke Park. Their Connacht provincial decider in June also drew a capacity attendance of around 25,000 to MacHale Park.
Demand will be further fueled by the fact neither side has reached the All-Ireland final since 2001 (Galway) and 1951 (Mayo). With both sets of supporters desperate to end long droughts, tickets are going to be like gold dust.
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
The exact date that tickets will go on public sale has yet to be announced by the GAA. However, looking at previous years, some guidelines can be gleaned:
- Allocation sales from counties and clubs usually begin 1-2 weeks before the match.
- Season ticket holders typically get a 48 hour window to buy tickets before the general public.
- Remaining tickets tend to go on sale just days before the game itself.
Therefore, expect tickets to go on general release sometime during the week leading up to Sunday 10th July, likely on Wednesday 6th or Thursday 7th July.
Where to Buy
When tickets do go on sale, there are a number of options to purchase:
- Online – Tickets can be bought via the GAA’s official website. Be ready to join a virtual queue.
- By Phone – Calling the ticket office is another method. Again expect delays.
- In Person – Limited tickets may be available to buy in person from Croke Park stadium.
- Secondary Sites – Some reseller sites like Ticketmaster may also sell tickets.
Buying online is the most popular and efficient method, however crashing websites and long wait times are common when swarms of fans try and purchase at once.
Tips to Get Tickets
Here are some handy tips for securing the all-important match ticket:
- Get in early – be ready online ahead of the sale time for the best shot.
- Team up – have friends/family trying too to increase your chances.
- Try all options – don’t rely solely on one purchasing method.
- Be flexible – if your stand of choice sells out, opt for other areas.
- Be prepared to pay more – limited reseller tickets will likely cost extra.
Persistence and patience are key. With such high demand, you’ll need to be committed to going through the process until tickets are secured.
Total Cost
The face value ticket price is just one part of the total expenses involved with attending the match.
Other costs that need factoring in include:
- Travel to Dublin
- Accommodation if staying overnight
- Food and drink at the stadium
- Any purchased merchandise
For Mayo and Galway fans travelling from the west of Ireland, transport and accommodation will be the biggest expenses. Staying in Dublin city centre hotels over the match weekend can cost upwards of €200-€300 per night.
All in all, expect to spend €300-€500+ per person for the full experience if travelling from outside Dublin.
Why Prices Are So High
For such a big match, the reality is the GAA could charge even higher prices and still sell out Croke Park. The limited supply versus huge demand allows them to command a premium.
But why are Gaelic football semi-finals so popular compared to regular league matches? There are a few factors at play:
- Prestige – Championship matches have more history and meaning attached.
- Rarity value – Knockout games only happen annually.
- Neutral venue – Croke Park adds to the spectacle.
- Top teams – The best sides in Ireland take part.
- Tourism – Big games attract overseas visitors.
With 返回衃圧es and hotels profiting from the large influx of match-goers, the GAA is also entitled to gain financially from their premium product.
Will Prices Increase?
The steady year-on-year rise in GAA ticket prices is likely to continue, with inflation and the pent up demand post-Covid also potential factors.
Looking at the last Mayo vs Galway semi-final in 2017, adult ticket prices have increased around 15% since then. A similar rise this year would make the cheapest adult tickets €65-70.
But Gaelic football remains extremely competitively priced compared to other sports. The cheapest adult tickets for the 2022 men’s Champions League final were €70, over 3 times more expensive than this Mayo vs Galway clash.
Is it Worth Paying?
The astronomical ticket prices and associated costs might make some think twice about attending. But for the genuine football fan, it’s an experience and occasion unlike any other.
The passion, colour, frenzy and drama of a packed Croke Park for a Championship classic makes it worthwhile. Sport is ultimately about memories, not money. And this is sure to be one to remember for the 80,000+ lucky ticket holders.
Conclusion
Mayo and Galway renew their fiery football rivalry for a place in the 2022 All-Ireland final at Croke Park this July. Ticket demand is set to far exceed supply, with virtual queues, crashing websites and sell-outs expected.
Adult prices will range from €50-90 depending on stand. When sales open in early July, fans must be prepared to act decisively. With tickets a scarce and coveted commodity, patience and persistence will be required. Those lucky enough to attend will witness an unforgettable Gaelic football occasion.