UCD Bowl wins "Sportsground of the Year"

In addition to the fantastic success of the UCD Soccer team as League of Ireland Division one champions and securing promotion to the Premiership, the “UCD Bowl”, which is the home ground of both the Soccer team and UCD’s Rugby team, has been named “Sportsground of the Year”.

UCD Soccer Club joined their rugby counterparts in a ground sharing arrangement as they hosted Derry City in the opening game of the then Eircom League on the 7th March 2008, having departed their home ground in Belfield Park after 29 years.  The Bowl had been home for the UCD Rugby Club for many years and is still the venue for the AIB League Games. 

Phase one of the developments, completed in September 2007, was brought to fruition by a €1.25 million grant allocation from DAST Annual Sports Capital Grant Scheme.  The balance of the funding was met by UCD, bringing total spend on the facility to €1.6million. The facilities have been radically upgraded with seating increased by 840 to 1500, with further standing accommodation for 1500. The development also included the provision of additional turnstiles, spectator accommodation, press facilities, floodlights and dressing rooms, making the ground fully compliant with UEFA licensing requirements.

In developing the facility, UCD endeavored to deliver a high quality outdoor sports venue, complying with UEFA licensing and IRB standards in relation to the quality of the playing surface, while also meeting spectator expectations in terms of comfort and safety.  The installation of sports lighting structures enabled events to be held in the evening. 

The hard work and continued quality maintenance has been rewarded with this prestigious award from the FAI. The FAI recognises the outstanding work with a trophy and also a financial award towards the continued maintenance of the grounds.