Buying tickets to see Tipperary take on Offaly in hurling is an exciting prospect for any sports fan in Ireland. With a rivalry that stretches back over a century, these two counties always produce thrilling matches when they meet. However, figuring out the best place to purchase tickets can be confusing, especially if you’ve never been to a hurling match before. This article will provide all the key information you need to securely buy tickets for the next Tipperary v Offaly clash.
Where can I purchase tickets?
There are a few main options for purchasing tickets to see Tipperary play Offaly in hurling:
- Directly from the county boards – Both the Tipperary County Board and Offaly County Board will sell match tickets directly through their websites. This is the most official source but tickets can sell out fast.
- Authorized ticket agents – Agents like Ticketmaster Ireland are authorized resellers of GAA tickets. This can be a convenient option but fees are sometimes higher.
- Season ticket holders – If you know a Tipperary or Offaly season ticket holder, they can purchase a ticket on your behalf. You will need to pay them back.
- Scalpers or unofficial resellers – Buyer beware with scalpers who sell outside the venue on match day. Tickets may be fake or invalid.
Buying directly from the county board websites is usually the best option if tickets are available. The Tipperary website is tipperary.gaa.ie and Offaly’s is offaly.gaa.ie. Both sites will have a ticket section once they go on sale to the public.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for league matches between Tipperary and Offaly typically go on sale 4-6 weeks before the game itself. For championship matches, tickets may not go on sale until 2-3 weeks prior. The county boards announce on their websites and social media channels when match tickets will become available.
Sign up on the Tipperary and Offaly websites for ticket alerts if you want to stay updated on the on-sale dates. These matches are popular with supporters so tickets can sell out within hours or days in some cases. Act fast once tickets are released.
Where are the matches played?
Home Venues
County | Main Venue |
---|---|
Tipperary | Semple Stadium, Thurles |
Offaly | O’Connor Park, Tullamore |
Semple Stadium in Thurles and O’Connor Park in Tullamore are the main county grounds for Tipperary and Offaly respectively. Most of their head-to-head fixtures take place at one of these two venues.
Neutral Venues
For certain championship matches, the fixture may take place at a neutral GAA ground. Croke Park and Semple Stadium often host neutral playoff games if they are not being used by the Dublin or Tipperary senior teams.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary based on factors like where the match is played, which competition it is part of, and the area of the ground.
As a benchmark, prices for Tipperary v Offaly matches tend to be:
- Adult Stand Ticket – €25-€40
- Juvenile Stand Ticket – €5-€10
- Adult Terrace Ticket – €15-€25
- Juvenile Terrace Ticket – €5
Tickets bought close to match day may also have booking fees added on by authorized agents like Ticketmaster. These run €5-€10 typically.
Purchase early when tickets go on sale to avoid paying more on secondary sites. Under 16s usually get significant discounts.
Are student discounts available?
Yes, both county boards do offer student ticket discounts in certain areas. Students should bring valid student ID to the match to avail of discounted pricing.
Offaly offers student stand tickets for just €10 in the Canal End stand. Tipperary also has reduced price student tickets but availability is limited. Check the county website ticket sections for student pricing details once the match is announced.
Any other ticket discounts?
The GAA and county boards offer other ticket discount initiatives at various times:
- Family tickets – Families of 2 adults + 2-3 children can get bundled discount tickets.
- Juvenile teams – Youth GAA clubs can inquire about discounted team tickets.
- Senior groups – Discounts may be offered for groups of retired seniors.
- Club member rates – GAA clubs affiliated with the county boards may have special offers.
Check with the Tipperary and Offaly county boards closer to match time for availability of any ticket discounts or special offers. These are often promoted on their websites and social media in the weeks leading up to a game.
Are there any ticket package deals?
For some high profile matches, the county boards or authorized agents like Ticketmaster may offer ticket + travel packages. These can include:
- Ticket + bus transport from nearby cities
- Ticket + train transport from Dublin or other urban areas
- Ticket + overnight hotel stay packages
Package deals are most common for All-Ireland quarter-finals or semi-finals involving Tipperary or Offaly held at Croke Park. Travel and accommodation in Dublin on match weekends gets very scarce, so packages can secure your place if you’re coming from further away.
Check the county websites and Ticketmaster for availability of any special travel packages as the match approaches.
What are the best stands or terraces to buy tickets for?
Semple Stadium
Stand | View Quality |
---|---|
Main Stand Sideline | ***** |
End Stand Terrace | *** |
Town End Terrace | ** |
At Semple Stadium, the best views are from the Main Stand sidelines. Try to get tickets as central as possible. The end terraces are cheaper but don’t have great elevation.
O’Connor Park
Stand | View Quality |
---|---|
Stand Sideline | **** |
Canal End Stand | *** |
End Terraces | ** |
The Stand Sideline seats offer the best views at O’Connor Park. The end-line stands are at field level so visibility isn’t as good. Go for the sidelines if you can.
Can I resell a ticket if I can’t attend?
Reselling tickets is prohibited by both the Tipperary and Offaly county boards. Purchased tickets are only valid for the named person on that ticket. Do not purchase from or use tickets sold by unauthorized third parties.
If you cannot attend a match yourself, return any purchased tickets to the county board so they can redistribute them fairly to other fans. Do nottry to resell for profit online.
Are children’s tickets required?
Yes, children of all ages require a valid match ticket for Tipperary v Offaly games. Babes in arms may be permitted without a ticket at the steward’s discretion. Otherwise, kids need a terrace or stand ticket based on their age.
Children’s discount tickets are available from the county boards. Proof of age may be required upon entry to the stadium for juvenille ticket holders.
Can I buy tickets on match day?
If any tickets remain unsold close to the match, they may go back on sale through the county board websites. However, these usually sell out very quickly on the day.
You can chance your luck by going to the main ticket office at the stadium on match day. But there is a strong risk of missing out if you wait this long.
Avoid ticket scalpers outside venues as these are likely overpriced fakes.
What time do gates open before match start?
Gates at Semple Stadium and O’Connor Park typically open 90 minutes before the scheduled throw-in time.
Some key timings:
- 1:30pm throw-in – Gates open 12pm
- 3:30pm throw-in – Gates open 2pm
- 5pm throw-in – Gates open 3:30pm
Arrive early to go through the ticket checks and find your seats before players warm up on the pitch. People often congregate outside the gates up to an hour prior.
Can I buy tickets for the next Tipperary v Offaly clash yet?
Not yet. The next matches between these great rivals have not been officially scheduled. Keep an eye on the Tipperary and Offaly county websites for fixture announcements.
Once the competitions and dates are confirmed, ticket purchase information will follow on the county sites. Sign up for their e-newsletter alerts so you don’t miss the on-sale announcement.
The GAA calendar has a busy schedule of league, championship and cup matches between counties each year. Rest assured these passionate hurling foes will meet again in 2023!
Conclusion
Seeing Tipperary and Offaly continue their hurling rivalry in person is a special experience. We hope this guide provides helpful information so you can securely buy tickets when they go on sale. Act fast as demand is high. Consider getting tickets directly from the county boards to avoid extra fees. Check the Tipperary and Offaly websites for the latest ticket information once the next fixtures are set.