Dexcom Stadium

Dexcom Stadium Galway: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Dexcom Stadium, formerly known as The Sportsground, is a historic and modern sporting landmark located on College Road in the heart of Galway, Republic of Ireland. Since its opening in 1927, the stadium has served as a central venue for Connacht Rugby, greyhound racing, and major cultural and community events. With its recent multi-million euro redevelopment and landmark partnership with Dexcom, the stadium blends a storied past with cutting-edge facilities, making it a must-visit destination for sports fans and travelers exploring Galway’s rich cultural landscape.

Visitors to Dexcom Stadium can expect thrilling rugby matches, greyhound racing, and community events within a venue that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and the visitor experience. The stadium’s central location provides easy access to Galway’s vibrant city center and a range of nearby historical attractions. Whether you’re attending a high-stakes match, exploring Galway’s heritage, or enjoying local cuisine, Dexcom Stadium offers an immersive experience at the heart of the city’s sporting and cultural life.

For the latest updates on visiting hours, ticketing, and events, consult the official Connacht Rugby website and Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Visitor Information
Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Special Features
Historical Overview
Economic, Social, and Cultural Impact
Stadium Facilities and Visitor Experience
Sustainability and Future Prospects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Further Reading

1. Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Dexcom Stadium primarily opens to the public on matchdays and during special events. Opening times typically begin 60–90 minutes before the start of a match or event. For guided tours or non-event visits, contact Connacht Rugby in advance or check the Connacht Rugby website and Galway Greyhound Stadium for the latest schedules.

Tickets and Pricing

Rugby Matches: Tickets are available online via the official Connacht Rugby ticket portal and at the stadium box office on event days (subject to availability). Prices vary by seating area and fixture, with concessions for children, students, and seniors.
Greyhound Racing: Tickets can be purchased at the venue and online via the Galway Greyhound Stadium portal.

How to Buy Tickets

Online: Use the Connacht Rugby ticket portal or Galway Greyhound Stadium site.
In Person: The box office opens approximately two hours before events.

2. Travel Tips

Public Transport

Dexcom Stadium is easily accessible by Galway’s public transport network. Regular bus services stop close to the stadium, and Galway Ceannt Train Station is about a 10–15 minute walk away. For current routes, visit the Galway Bus website.

Parking

On-site parking at the stadium is limited, especially during major events. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, city center car parks, or park-and-ride services.

Accessibility

The stadium is fully accessible, offering wheelchair-friendly entrances, seating, restrooms, and limited accessible parking. For special accommodations, contact Connacht Rugby in advance via their contact page.

3. Nearby Attractions

Dexcom Stadium’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Galway’s heritage. Notable nearby sites include:

Galway City Museum: An engaging overview of the city’s history.
Eyre Square: Galway’s central public park and gathering place.
Spanish Arch: A 16th-century historic landmark.
Salthill Promenade: A scenic coastal walk just minutes from the city centre.
Galway Cathedral: Known for its impressive architecture and stained glass.
Latin Quarter: Bustling with shops, pubs, and historic buildings.

4. Special Features

Guided Tours

Group guided tours of Dexcom Stadium are available by request, offering exclusive insights into the stadium’s history and modern operations. Contact Connacht Rugby to arrange a tour.

Photographic Spots

Capture panoramic views from the Main Stand, the redeveloped North Stand, and exterior vantage points around College Road.

Events Beyond Rugby

In addition to rugby and greyhound racing, Dexcom Stadium hosts concerts, corporate functions, and community events, ensuring year-round activity.

5. Historical Overview

Early Foundations and Opening (1927–1940s)

Dexcom Stadium opened as The Sportsground in 1927, quickly becoming the focal point for rugby, Gaelic games, and university sports in Galway. Galwegians RFC were first to call the stadium home in 1928. The venue also hosted significant Gaelic games, such as the 1932 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Final and the 1942 Galway County Hurling Final.

Mid-20th Century: Community and Sporting Diversity

The stadium diversified, hosting association football—including Galway United’s European fixtures during Terryland Park renovations—and regular greyhound racing events, earning its alternate title as Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Late 20th to Early 21st Century: Growth and Modernization

Connacht Rugby established the stadium as its home, with capacity growing from 5,500 to over 8,100 following expansions like the Grant Thornton Stand in 2016. A record attendance of over 9,000 was set during the 2011 Heineken Cup.

Redevelopment: Vision and Planning (2018–2025)

In 2018, a €30 million redevelopment plan was announced, aiming to increase capacity to 12,000 and add a High Performance Centre. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress, but in 2024, a transformative naming rights partnership with Dexcom secured the project’s future. The new North Stand, High Performance Centre, and upgraded facilities are scheduled for completion by late 2025, positioning the stadium as a regional hub for sport and culture (Connacht Tribune).

The stadium’s redevelopment is expected to boost Galway’s economy, create jobs, and attract tourism by hosting high-profile matches, concerts, and community events (Connacht Tribune). Its accessible and inclusive design ensures all visitors can participate. The stadium also supports community initiatives, youth rugby programs, and local charities, reinforcing its role as a social and cultural anchor for the city.

7. Stadium Facilities and Visitor Experience

Stadium Layout and Amenities

North Stand: A new four-level structure with seating for 7,000+, standing terraces, and hospitality suites for up to 900 guests. Includes bars, shops, catering facilities, and corporate event spaces.
High Performance Centre: State-of-the-art training, physiotherapy, and administrative facilities for Connacht Rugby.
Accessibility: Step-free access, accessible restrooms, and dedicated seating for disabled visitors.
Food & Drink: A variety of concessions offering local and international cuisine, with cashless payment encouraged.
Family Facilities: Baby-changing stations, family restrooms, and children’s activities on select match days.

Visitor Experience

Match days feature a lively, inclusive atmosphere with enthusiastic fans and engaging pre-match entertainment. Guided tours and behind-the-scenes experiences provide additional value for sports and history enthusiasts.

8. Sustainability and Future Prospects

Dexcom Stadium’s redevelopment integrates sustainability with energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction initiatives, and encouragement of green transport. The stadium’s ongoing evolution aims to keep it at the forefront of Galway’s social, sporting, and environmental progress (Connacht Tribune).

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Dexcom Stadium’s visiting hours?
A: Typically, the stadium opens 60–90 minutes before events. For tours or non-event visits, contact Connacht Rugby in advance.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Online via Connacht Rugby, Galway Greyhound Stadium, or at the stadium box office.

Q: Is the stadium accessible?
A: Yes—there are accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and limited parking for visitors with disabilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Group tours are available by arrangement. Contact Connacht Rugby for details.

Q: What events are held beyond rugby?
A: Greyhound racing, concerts, community gatherings, and corporate functions.

Q: Are there nearby attractions to visit?
A: Yes—Galway City Museum, Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, Salthill Promenade, Latin Quarter, and Galway Cathedral are all nearby.