The GAA has reduced ticket prices for the Allianz National Football League finals taking place at Croke Park this weekend, as a “thank you” to fans for their support throughout the season. Stand tickets for Sunday’s double bill in Croke Park – featuring Kerry against Derry in Division One, and preceded by Monaghan against Cork in Division Two – are priced at €25, which is €5 less than last year’s equivalent. The GAA has also introduced special group passes for the occasion.
With the attendances at finals decreasing over recent years, some sort of concession was expected.
In fact, assurances of special ticket packages and a major marketing campaign was what convinced the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) to fix both the Division One and Two finals for Croke Park in the first place.
They will also mark the occasion of the first trophy presentations of new GAA president Christy Cooney, and he was clearly eager to ensure the crowd level on the day was worthy of the competition.
“Our 2009 football leagues peak this weekend with no fewer than four finals,” said Cooney in a statement today, “and the division one and two games offer followers of the counties involved and all football supporters a chance to come to Croke Park for early season action.
“As a gesture of gratitude to the supporters who have made this year’s competitions a success, we have reduced adult ticket prices for Sunday’s game and are also offering excellent value group passes for Croke Park.
“Last year’s Kerry against Derry final clash was a fine spectacle and both Cork and Monaghan will come to the capital with real hopes of claiming one of the first national inter-county titles of the 2009 season.”
The group passes being made available are aimed at clubs and schools looking to give their young players a chance to witness a major final in Croke Park. These are priced at just €3 per juvenile and one adult goes free for every 10 juveniles. All such groups will be seated together in the lower Cusack Stand.
The minimum number for a Group Pass is 10 juveniles (16-years-old or under), and application forms for group passes are available by emailing tickets@gaa.ie.
Payment in advance is also required and can be made over the phone by Credit Card or Laser Card or by cheque (payable to GAA).
The regular tickets, priced at €25 for adults and €5 for children, are available from participating county boards, www.gaa.ie, over the phone on 01 865867 and from Ticketmaster.
The Division Three and Four finals are being played the day before, at Pearse Park in Longford – featuring Down against Tipperary from Division Three, and Antrim against Sligo from Division Four.
Stand tickets in Longford are €12, terrace €10, while student/senior tickets are available for €5 and juveniles will be admitted free of charge.