Best seats at the Aviva Stadium for a concert - levels, tips

The Aviva is squeezed in among the houses of Ballsbridge, with the DART line along one side. To keep from blocking the neighbours' light, the north end was built with fewer seats and clad in see-through polycarbonate, while the other three sides climb through four tiers. The result: a stadium that seats 51,711 for rugby or football and around 65,000 for a concert, and feels tighter than its size.

How the levels work

The south, east and west stands share the same stack:

• Level 1, the lower tier, closest to the pitch.
• A premium tier above it, around 10,000 seats.
• A tier of corporate boxes.
• Level 5, the upper tier, with blocks numbered from 501 to 529.

Your ticket shows a colour, a turnstile letter, a block, a row and a seat. The colour matters: Orange tickets (Lansdowne Lane) only reach Level 1 on the west side, and Red (Bath Avenue) serves Levels 1 and 5. Read the ticket before you pick your pub, as the entrances are on different streets: see getting to the Aviva Stadium.

Our picks

The stage goes at one end, so check the plan for your show. For an end stage, the lower tier of the long side stands, in the half nearest the stage, gives the best mix of distance and angle. Level 1 is also the easiest to get in and out of.

The upper tier is high. It suits watching a rugby match unfold, but for a concert you'll watch the screens more than the band. Choose a block facing the stage rather than one alongside it if you end up up there.

The pitch is where the crowd and the noise are. For a spot near the front, you need to be inside early: gates and timings are on your ticket.

Accessibility

The stadium has 230 wheelchair spaces, plus the same number for personal assistants, spread over all levels. Five entrances have full lift access: E (Lower West), X (Upper West), A (South), M (East) and I (North). For concerts, book accessible tickets and parking through MCD (access@mcd.ie). The parking side is covered in parking at the Aviva Stadium.

Before you go in

• One bag per person, no larger than A4, checked at the outer cordon. Folded bags are refused too.
• No umbrellas, bottles, cans, glass or poles.
• Prams and strollers are not allowed.

Eat first with where to eat near the Aviva Stadium, and after the show, write a review.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of the Aviva Stadium for concerts?

Around 65,000, against 51,711 for rugby and football, when the pitch is used for standing.

Which level is best at the Aviva Stadium for a concert?

Level 1, the lower tier, in a side stand close to the stage. The upper tier is high and you will rely on the screens.

Is there wheelchair access at the Aviva Stadium?

Yes. There are 230 wheelchair spaces across all levels, with five lift-served entrances. For concerts, contact MCD at access@mcd.ie.

What size bag can I take into the Aviva Stadium?

One bag no larger than A4 (297 x 210 x 210 mm). Bags are checked at the outer cordon.