Bohemians FC to Host LOI Matches at Laya Arena During Redevelopment
The club will vacate Dalymount Park next May to begin a major stadium project.
1Stadium Redevelopment Timeline
Bohemians will continue playing at Dalymount Park until May 2025 before vacating the site for major redevelopment. The project aims to deliver a modern 8,000-seater stadium by 2029. This transition requires the club to secure alternative venues for their men's and women's senior teams during the multi-year construction phase.
2Laya Arena Agreement
The club has reached an agreement to host several SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division fixtures at the Laya Arena next season. This venue, which serves as the home for Leinster Rugby, recently underwent a 52 million euro overhaul. The facility offers a capacity exceeding 20,000, providing a significant upgrade for high-profile matches.
3Addressing Capacity Constraints
President Matt Devaney noted that Dalymount Park has faced consistent capacity issues, forcing the club to turn away potential supporters. By moving select fixtures to the larger Laya Arena, the club aims to accommodate higher demand. This strategic shift is intended to attract new fans and enhance the overall matchday experience.
4Women's Team Relocation
The women's team will move their league matches to Frank Cooke Park, the home of Tolka Rovers. Located on Griffith Avenue, the site is less than two miles from Dalymount Park. The club prioritized this location to maintain their strong local support base and build upon their current record-breaking league attendance figures.
5Ongoing Venue Negotiations
While the RDS agreement covers specific high-profile fixtures, Bohemians remain in active negotiations to secure a second primary home venue. The club is specifically seeking another League of Ireland stadium to host the remainder of their men's team matches. This search is critical to ensuring a stable schedule throughout the redevelopment.
6Strategic Venue Selection
The choice of Frank Cooke Park for the women's team reflects a focus on accessibility and community connection. The facility features a first-class pitch and clubhouse that aligns with current spectator needs. By staying within the club's traditional heartland, officials hope to minimize disruption for their existing loyal fan base.
7Financial and Operational Impact
The 52 million euro investment in the Laya Arena provides a state-of-the-art environment for Irish football. For Bohemians, utilizing such infrastructure represents a significant logistical challenge but also a commercial opportunity. The club is balancing the necessity of temporary displacement with the long-term goal of modernizing their own historic home.
8Future Club Outlook
The transition period marks a pivotal moment for Bohemians as they move toward the 2029 completion of their new stadium. By leveraging existing regional infrastructure, the club intends to sustain its growth trajectory. Success will depend on effectively managing these temporary arrangements while maintaining engagement with their diverse community of supporters.
Original article: RTÉ Sport — Bohemians FC to Host LOI Matches at Laya Arena During Redevelopment