Floodlights illuminate the UCD Bowl. The UCD Bowl is more than just a sports ground. It’s a place where the spirit of competition thrives. Here at the UCD Bowl, history is made.
The UCD Bowl is located in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. It serves as the home ground for University College Dublin teams. Both the rugby and football clubs proudly call it home. The rugby team competes in the All Ireland League. The football team plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Did you know that the UCD Bowl has hosted some pretty important teams? The Ireland national rugby union team has trained here. Even the legendary All Blacks have graced this field. The UCD Bowl was also a venue for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Originally known as the Belfield Bowl, the UCD Bowl underwent significant redevelopment in 2007. This transformation was spurred by the need to meet UEFA licensing requirements for the League of Ireland. A €1.25 million Sports Capital grant fueled the project. Objections were overruled. The UCD Bowl emerged as a modern sporting facility.
Seating capacity increased from 860 to 1,500. A hard surface was laid around the pitch for standing spectators. Floodlights were installed. Fencing was improved. New facilities for shops, toilets, and turnstiles were added. The revamped UCD Bowl was ready for the 2008 League of Ireland season.
There is a single stand on the southern side of the stadium. Uncovered standing room is at each end. 860 seats in the stand are covered. Plans are in motion to replace the roof with a cantilever structure. This new roof will cover all 1,500 seats.
Future ambitions for the UCD Bowl are even grander. The goal is to expand the stadium’s capacity to 4,500 seats. A timeline for this expansion is yet to be determined.
The UCD Bowl is easily accessible. It sits north of the Belfield campus. You can find it near the National Hockey Stadium and the Sports Centre. Public transportation provides convenient access. The Sydney Parade railway station is nearby. The Stillorgan Road and Nutley Lane bus stops are also close.
The record attendance at the UCD Bowl was set in September 2024. A crowd of 2,236 came to watch UCD play Bohemian FC. The UCD Bowl continues to evolve.
The UCD Bowl has a FIFA-approved pitch. The UCD Bowl offers a great atmosphere for sporting events. It is a modern stadium with excellent facilities. It has a state-of-the-art floodlighting system. There is a fully equipped media center. The UCD Bowl is fully accessible for people with disabilities.
The UCD Bowl stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to sports. It is a place where athletes compete. Fans gather to support their teams. The UCD Bowl embodies the spirit of University College Dublin.