Aviva Stadium, located in Dublin, Ireland, is home to both the Irish rugby and football teams. With a capacity of 51,700, it is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. A common question for fans attending matches at Aviva Stadium is whether their seats will be covered from the elements or exposed. The stadium features a mix of both covered and uncovered seating areas.
Overview of Seating at Aviva Stadium
Aviva Stadium is comprised of three tiers of seating:
- Lower tier – This bottom section wraps around the entire field and is mostly uncovered seating. There are some covered seats at the very bottom of this tier under the upper decks.
- Middle tier – This mid-level deck has a mix of covered and uncovered seats. The central sections are covered, while the ends are open to the elements.
- Upper tier – The highest deck features all covered seating with roof structures overhanging the top sections.
In total, Aviva Stadium has approximately 19,000 covered seats out of its 51,700 capacity. The premium seats in the middle and upper tiers are primarily covered, while much of the general admission seating on the bottom tier is uncovered. Stadium management recommends fans bring rain gear during inclement weather.
Detailed Breakdown of Covered and Uncovered Seats
To provide a detailed view of which specific seats are covered versus exposed at Aviva Stadium, we can break down the roof cover by section:
Lower Tier Seating
Section | Covered or Uncovered |
---|---|
100 Level Sideline Sections | Uncovered |
100 Level Corner and End Sections | Uncovered |
100 Level Central Sections Under Overhang | Covered |
The lower bowl runs along the sideline and wraps around each end zone. These outdoor seats are exposed to the elements. The only exception is the very central sections under the overhang of the middle tier.
Middle Tier Seating
Section | Covered or Uncovered |
---|---|
200 Level Sideline Sections | Covered |
200 Level Corner and End Sections | Uncovered |
The middle tier features cover over the central sideline seats and premium midfield sections. The corner and end zones of the middle deck do not have roof cover.
Upper Tier Seating
Section | Covered or Uncovered |
---|---|
300 Level Sideline, Corner, and End Sections | Covered |
The upper tier runs the full length of the stadium with roof protection for all of the top level seats. These premium seats are entirely covered.
Premium Seating Areas with Cover
In addition to the upper deck, there are a few other prime seating zones that are entirely covered from the elements at Aviva Stadium:
The West Stand
This large two-tier structure houses premium tickets along the midfield sideline with full roof cover above both levels. The West Stand includes luxury suites, club seats, and the VIP area.
East Stand Hospitality
The East Stand also features premium hospitality seating options under roof cover facing the halfway line. These include executive boxes and exclusive club access.
The Aviva Business Club
This exclusive club area is located below the West Stand. It offers luxury amenities like fine dining, premium bars, and comfortable lounge seating under total cover with views looking out to the pitch.
Uncovered Sections Subject to Weather
While the upper deck and interior premium zones stay dry, large parts of Aviva Stadium are uncovered, leaving significant sections of the stadium exposed:
Lower Sideline Seats
The lower bowl runs the full length of the field along both sidelines with no roof cover. These general admission sections hold over 20,000 outdoor seats on the north and south sides.
East and West Lower Corners
The lower corners wrapping around the field on both end zones also lack any cover. Fans on the east and west corners of the lower level are unsheltered.
North and South End Zone General Admission
The general admission sections behind the goals on both the north and south ends of the lower tier are uncovered with no protection from the elements.
Total Number of Covered Seats
To summarize, Aviva Stadium has the following seating capacities:
Tier | Covered Seats | Uncovered Seats | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Lower Level | 2,000 | 20,000 | 22,000 |
Middle Level | 8,000 | 10,000 | 18,000 |
Upper Level | 9,000 | 0 | 9,000 |
Total | 19,000 | 30,000 | 51,700 |
So in summary, Aviva Stadium can seat approximately 51,700 fans, with around 19,000 seats under cover and 30,000 exposed seats subject to the elements. The upper level and interior premium zones stay dry, while the lower sideline and end zone sections are uncovered.
Choosing Seats Based on Weather
When selecting tickets at Aviva Stadium, fans should consider the following:
- For rainy conditions, aim for the upper deck or covered midfield sections in the middle tier along the sidelines.
- For sunny days, uncovered seats may be preferred to enjoy the outdoors and views of Dublin.
- The East and West stands offer premium covered seating for those wanting an upscale experience.
- Sections without cover can still provide great atmosphere but require weather protection like ponchos or jackets.
Checking ahead for the forecast and preparing accordingly is recommended when sitting in uncovered parts of the stadium. Aviva Stadium provides an iconic venue to enjoy rugby and football matches, with options to sit both under the protection of the roof or exposed to the Irish elements.
Conclusion
Aviva Stadium features a mix of both covered and uncovered seating. The upper tier and interior premium sections stay dry, while approximately 30,000 seats on the lower sidelines and end zones are open air and unprotected from rain or sun. When selecting tickets, fans should consider the weather forecast and whether they prefer to sit indoors or outdoors for the match. With modern amenities alongside its open-air design, Aviva Stadium offers a memorable venue to experience sporting events in Dublin.