“Imagine horses leaping over challenging courses right where we stand.” That’s what the RDS Arena was built for. It started as a greenfield site in 1881. The Dublin Horse Show found its permanent home here.
The RDS Arena is more than just horses though. It is a multi purpose stadium. The Royal Dublin Society owns it. The location is in Ballsbridge, a Dublin suburb.
Leinster Rugby calls the RDS Arena home. They have since 2005. The first game saw them beat Cardiff Blues 34-15. A 25-year agreement secures their future here.
Did you know that the RDS Arena also hosts soccer matches? Shamrock Rovers played here from 1990 to 1996. Ireland’s national team has also played important games here. The FAI Cup final even took place here for two years.
Look around. Notice the Grandstand. It was rebuilt in 2006. It replaced the old wooden stand. A roof was added a few years later. The Anglesea Stand is older. It was completed in 1927.
The RDS Arena can hold 18500 people. 16500 can be seated. For concerts the attendance record hits 38000. Imagine Thin Lizzy playing here in 1983. Or Tina Turner rocking the stage in 1987. Bruce Springsteen played here eleven times. U2 concluded their Zooropa tour here. Michael Jackson performed here too. The RDS Arena has seen many famous performers.
The RDS Arena hosted the Show Jumping World Championships in 1982. The Dublin Horse Show has been held here annually since 1864. That’s a long tradition of equestrian excellence. The Aga Khan trophy is a highlight. It was first awarded in 1926.
Think about the future of the RDS Arena. There are plans for redevelopment. The goal is a world class stadium with 25000 capacity. Naming rights will help fund the project. Newenham Mulligan Architects and Grimshaw Architects won the design competition. The RDS Arena is evolving.
Remember this place. The RDS Arena has spanned centuries. It has hosted horses, rugby, soccer, concerts and religious gatherings. The RDS Arena remains a vital part of Dublin’s culture. It is ready for the next chapter in its long and varied history.