RDS Arena

RDS Arena
Staid an Chumainn Ríoga Bhaile Átha Cliath
Royal Dublin Society Arena
Royal Dublin Society Arena: the 2013 Pro12 Grand Final
RDS Arena is located in Dublin
RDS Arena
RDS Arena
Location within Dublin
LocationBallsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
Coordinates53°19′32″N 6°13′46″W / 53.32556°N 6.22944°W / 53.32556; -6.22944
Public transitDART: Sandymount Station
Dublin Bus Routes: 4, 7, 7a, 7n, 18, 27x
Aircoach Route: 702 (Dublin Airport to Greystones/Bray)
Luas: Beechwood (Green Line; 2.3 km walk)
OwnerRoyal Dublin Society
Capacity18,500 (16,500 seated)
Record attendance22,000 (38,000 for a concert)
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Opened1868
Renovated2007–09
Expanded2007
Tenants
Shamrock Rovers F.C. (1990–1996)
Leinster Rugby (2005–present)

RDS Arena is a multi-purpose sports stadium, owned by the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and located in the Dublin suburb of Ballsbridge, Ireland.

The arena was developed to host equestrian events, primarily the annual Dublin Horse Show, which was first held there in 1881. The site had been acquired in 1879 by the RDS. The primary tenants of the RDS Arena are Leinster Rugby who compete in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup. The arena has also hosted soccer and wrestling events and concerts. It has a capacity of 18,500, 16,500 of which is seated.

The demountable north and south stands are removed for equestrian events, with only the Grandstand and Anglesea Stand permanent. The Anglesea Stand was completed in 1927.