Getting tickets to see the finals of the All-Ireland football championship is a dream for many Gaelic football fans. The finals are held each year in September at Croke Park in Dublin and pit the top county teams against each other for the Sam Maguire Cup. With 82,300 seats in Croke Park, tickets are highly coveted and sell out quickly. Here is a guide on how to get tickets to the All-Ireland football final.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the All-Ireland football final typically go on sale in early August each year through authorized ticket sellers. The exact on-sale date varies, but it’s usually in the first week or two of August once the finalists have been determined from the semi-finals. Teams won’t know if they’ve made the final until those semi-final matches are played in mid to late July.
Once the finalists are set, the GAA will announce the on-sale date for tickets. This date gets widespread media attention and promotion since demand hugely outpaces supply for these coveted tickets. Mark your calendars for the first week of August and be ready to buy tickets as soon as they are released.
Where can you buy tickets?
There are a few authorized ticket sellers for the All-Ireland finals. These are the only official and guaranteed way to buy legitimate tickets.
- Buy online at Ticketmaster.ie – This is the easiest and most convenient way to purchase tickets. You can buy online and have e-tickets delivered to your email.
- Buy in person at selected SuperValu and Centra stores – Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis at designated stores around Ireland once they go on sale.
- Buy by phone via the GAA ticket hotline – You can call 0818 719 300 and order tickets over the phone with a credit card once they are released for sale.
Avoid buying from secondary ticket sellers or classified ads, as there is a huge risk those could be fake or fraudulent tickets. Stick to the authorized outlets for guarantee you are getting valid tickets.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary based on the section and category you choose. Here is a breakdown of typical ticket costs:
Seating Area | Ticket Price |
---|---|
Premium Level Sideline | €90 |
Top Level Sideline | €80 |
Premium Level Endline | €70 |
Top Level Endline | €60 |
Premium Level Cusack Stand | €50 |
Top Level Cusack Stand | €40 |
There are also discounted tickets for juveniles under 16 and students/seniors available for Endline and Cusack Stand areas. Prices range from €20-€30 for those discounted tickets.
So expect to pay anywhere from €40 on the high end to €90 on the low end per ticket. The best seats on the sidelines will sell out fastest.
Buy early for best selection
The earlier you can buy tickets once they go on sale, the better selection you will have. Here are some tips to get early access:
- Register online ahead of time – Become a Ticketmaster verified fan or create an account so you can checkout faster once tickets open for sale.
- Get online right at 10AM on the first day – Be ready on your computer at the exact moment tickets go on sale to buy before others get the chance.
- Use the GAA priority window – GAA members get a special presale window before the general public.
- Buy in person at stores – Get to Centra or SuperValu as early as possible, some fans even camp out overnight!
You’ll have many more options choosing your exact seats if you purchase within the first few hours or day. After that, pickings become slimmer as tickets get bought up quickly.
How many tickets can you buy?
There is usually a 4-6 ticket limit per person for the All-Ireland finals. This helps prevent ticket brokers or scalpers from buying up dozens of tickets at once.
The exact number can vary each year, but expect that you’ll generally only be allowed to purchase 4-6 tickets per transaction. You cannot buy tickets again under a different name either, as all purchases will be tied to your verified fan account with Ticketmaster or your GAA membership.
If you need more than the limit, you’ll have to coordinate with friends and family to buy separately up to the limit through their own accounts. But act fast, because the longer you wait the more scarce tickets will be!
Getting tickets later or at the gate
If you miss out on the initial ticket sale, don’t lose hope! There are still a few options to try scoring tickets:
- Returned tickets – Check Ticketmaster periodically for returned tickets put back up for sale.
- Scalpers – Risk buying from touts outside the stadium, but no guarantee they are valid.
- Corporate packages – Companies may have hospitality packages that come with match tickets.
- Purchase at the gate – A very small number of tickets may be held to sell on match day, but don’t bank on this.
Just know that your choices will be far more limited the longer you wait. But some fans do get lucky finding spare tickets even in the final hours before the match!
Can you buy tickets for replays?
If the All-Ireland football final ends in a draw after normal time, a replay will be held about two weeks later. This gives the counties a chance to recover and go again to decide the champion.
If a replay happens, the same process occurs where the GAA releases a new set of tickets for the replay match. Tickets to the original match do not carry over or guarantee entry into the replay game.
However, fans who attended the drawn game usually get an exclusive presale window or early access to buy tickets for the replay before the general public. Check your email or the ticket seller’s website for replay presale details.
Conclusion
With huge demand and limited supply, getting All-Ireland football final tickets requires preparation, quick action, and a bit of luck. Sign up for presales, be ready the moment tickets go on sale, and move fast to checkout to secure your seats. While not easy, the electric atmosphere makes landing those coveted tickets well worth the effort for loyal Gaelic football fans!