The greater Dublin area is in line for a potential economic spin-off, worth about €50 million, from hosting the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals later this month, Heineken noted.
This weekend, the events mark a decade since the finals last took place in Ireland – in 2013.
Glasgow Warriors will take on RC Toulon in the EPCR Challenge Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on Friday 19 May.
Leinster will play Heineken Champions Cup holders Stade Rochelais on Saturday 20 May, at the same venue.
The 51,700-capacity Aviva Stadium is sold out for the Heineken Champions Cup, with demand for tickets for the eagerly anticipated showpiece match between two of the world’s most powerful clubs – Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais – particularly high.
Showing Support
According to the beer brand, supporters from Ireland, France and Scotland will be very heavily represented – given that clubs from those countries are taking part in the finals – but the weekend is also likely to draw spectators from other locations, as last year’s finals in Marseille saw international visitors from 12 countries making the journey to the EPCR finals weekend in France.
Irish spectators will be a combination of those living locally in the greater Dublin/Leinster area, rugby fans from the rest of Ireland, and an influx of emigrants coming home for the finals.
Last year – leaving aside accommodation – Heineken noted that fans who attended the finals spent an average of €176 per day on meals, drinks, shopping, and local travel.
“We are so excited to have the Heineken Champions Cup final in Dublin again for the first time in ten years,” said Sharon Walsh, managing director, Heineken Ireland.
“It will bring a huge financial boost to Dublin’s restaurants, bars, shops and hotels, and to the wider region. With over 500 promotions in pubs nationwide, colourful matchday set-ups, and fan experiences around Dublin city centre, excitement is really building, and the Heineken brand will be a key part of what promises to be a truly special sporting occasion.”
Read More: Heineken Ireland Appoints Sharon Walsh As Managing Director
Economic Boost
The overall economic boost for the Dublin region also includes a significant spend by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the organisers of the finals.
“We are delighted that our EPCR finals are in Dublin and are looking forward to two excellent spectacles of world-class rugby,” said Anthony Lepage, chief executive, EPCR.
“Based on our experience last year, about two thirds of the total finals weekend budget will be spent in Dublin, and €8 out of every €10 that we spend on events and operations will go to local suppliers in Dublin.
“The EPCR finals weekend is always a major event for our host cities, generating profile throughout the season’s build-up and significant economic impact, both direct and indirect, over the course of the weekend itself. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with all our stakeholders to deliver this incredible weekend, now just days away.”
Read More: Heineken Returns As Headline Sponsor Of European Rugby Champions Cup
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