FAI unveil €32,000 corporate ticket plan
Football fans will have to fork out up to €32,000 for top corporate tickets at the new Lansdowne Road stadium, it was announced today.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) unveiled its 10-year price plans for some 10,000 premium tickets which they claim will bring corporate hospitality to a new level.
The new €410m 50,000 seater stadium, which has not yet been named, is due to open in April 2010 with the first match played four months later.
FAI chief executive John Delaney said that the launch of the Vantage Club sales campaign comes at an exciting time for the FAI.
"We are at the start of a new era in Irish football," he said.
"Our new home will provide a world class facility in which we will make many new memories. It will provide steady funding for the grassroots of our game in years to come and will give all of us involved in Irish football a place we can truly call home. "
Irish manager Giovanni Trapattoni, former international footballers Packie Bonner, Ray Houghton and Paul McGrath and prominent businessmen were at the exclusive launch in Ringsend overlooking the new build.
Broadcaster Gerry Ryan was joined by Angie Best - first wife of football legend George Best - who was in town for his television show.
The FAI said its 10-year four tiered premium ticket option will be based on seat location.
Prices start at €12,000 with Vantage Club members receiving tickets to all of Ireland's senior international and the FAI Ford Cup Finals.
Halfway line seats will cost an initial fee of €12,000 and an annual fee of €2,000 per annum, while sideline seats are €9,000 and an additional €1,000 each following year.
Corners tickets can be purchased for €7,000 and an annual fee of €750, while those wanting the cheapest tickets behind the goal will fork out €7,000 and a €500 payment each year.
Corporate boxes can also be purchased for three, seven or 10-year periods.
The FAI vowed to invest 2.5% of each initial fee back into the game at grassroots level with the purchaser free to choose the club, league or affiliate they want the money to go to. If no preference is indicated the FAI will invest the money in grassroots development schemes.
The sales process will be managed by ISG, which has been responsible for revenues in excess of 700m euro at the new Wembley Stadium.
"Today's launch of the Vantage Club and the involvement of ISG, worldwide leaders in the sale of premium facilities, is hugely significant for the development of our game," added Mr Delaney.
"The product on offer to Vantage Club clients is second to none and, with an exciting 10 years ahead of us, I have no doubt that this marks a significant milestone for Irish football."
