Best spots at Virgin Media Park, Cork - standing, gates, rules

Musgrave Park is a rugby ground first. Munster Rugby, Dolphin and Sunday's Well play here, and in June the pitch disappears under flooring for a run of open-air gigs promoted by MCD. Florence and the Machine, Take That and Liam Gallagher have all played the Ballyphehane pitch.

How the ground is laid out

For rugby the ground holds about 8,000 to 9,300. The main seating is the covered west stand, rebuilt in 2014 to 2015 with about 3,500 seats, and the east terrace has a roof along its length. For concerts, Munster Rugby has put capacity at 15,000. In 2023 the 3G pitch was covered and the stage built at the Pearse Road end, with the crowd standing on the pitch facing it.

Layouts can change from show to show, so check the plan on your ticket listing.

Where to stand

It is a compact field, so no spot on the pitch is truly far from the stage.

• Centre, a third of the way back: the best balance of sound and sightlines, behind the most crowded front section and in front of the bar queues.
• Near the sound desk: the mix is built for this spot, and the crowd is usually calmer than at the front.
• Front barrier: arrive when gates open at 5pm if you want it. Main acts usually start around 9pm, so that is a long stand.
• Edges near the exits: the easiest way out at 10.30pm, worth it if you have a bus or train to catch.

If a show sells seated tickets, they will be in the stands on the side of the pitch. You see the stage side-on and further away, but you keep your seat and stay dry if it is covered.

Rules to know

• Ages: standing tickets are for over-14s. Under-16s need an adult aged 25 or over with them all night, or they are refused entry without a refund.
• Banned: bags bigger than A4, umbrellas, glass or cans, alcohol, garden furniture, selfie sticks, professional cameras and recording gear.
• Tickets: barcodes are live, so screenshots will not scan. Download the ticket to your phone.
• No re-entry once you are out.
• Use the gate on your ticket: Gate B, Tramore Road or Gate C, Pearse Road.

Frequently asked questions

Are Musgrave Park concerts standing or seated?

Mostly standing on the pitch. Some shows also sell seats in the stands, so check your ticket.

What is the capacity of Virgin Media Park for concerts?

Munster Rugby has given a concert capacity of 15,000. For rugby it holds about 8,000 to 9,300.

Can I bring an umbrella to a Musgrave Park concert?

No. Umbrellas are on the banned list along with bags bigger than A4, so wear a rain jacket.

What age do you have to be for standing at Virgin Media Park?

14 or over. Under-16s must be with an adult aged 25 or over.