Oasis to Play Croke Park in 2025
The Gallagher brothers have announced a much-anticipated reunion tour for next year, and their Irish dates are set to be a massive success for the GAA. Oasis is set to bring their iconic sound to Croke Park, the home of Gaelic games, on August 16 and 17, 2025.
While the band will be raking in a hefty sum from ticket sales, the GAA is also set to benefit from the concerts. The organization is expected to make over €2 million in rent from the two shows. This is in line with the GAA's typical rent income for concerts held at Croke Park, with the organization earning over €1 million for each show.
The Big Ticket
The news of Oasis's reunion tour has sparked a frenzy amongst fans, with tickets for the Dublin dates expected to be highly sought after. The 80,000 fans expected to attend each concert are likely to pay €86.50 plus booking fees for their tickets.
With demand exceeding supply, it's expected that many fans will be disappointed. However, it's not just the tickets that are likely to be a hot commodity – accommodation in Dublin for the concert weekend is also in high demand.
Accommodation Issues
The surge in demand for accommodation in Dublin coincides with the GAA's plans to capitalize on the lucrative concert market. The organization is set to earn nearly €4.5 million from Coldplay's four-night run at Croke Park this weekend.
As the scramble for tickets to Coldplay's shows is likely to lead to disappointment for some, the issue of accommodation is becoming a significant challenge. Hotel prices for the Saturday night of Coldplay's concert have already surpassed €400, with just three under that price available on Booking.com. The situation is even more dire for Sunday night, with only one hotel available to book under €400.
This trend mirrors what happened earlier this year following the announcement of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in Dublin. Hotel room prices in the city skyrocketed, with no rooms available for under €350 on the dates of the gigs.
Price Gouging Concerns
The issue of price gouging around concert weekends has been raised in the Dáil. Independent TD Thomas Pringle described the inflated hotel prices as “rampant price gouging.” He criticized hoteliers for exponentially increasing prices before tickets for Taylor Swift's concerts went on sale.
Mr. Pringle also pointed out that the price gouging was not limited to hotels, noting that one landlord was charging €20,000 for a two-bedroom apartment for the same weekend. The GAA's decision to capitalize on the concert market comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of these events on local communities, particularly in terms of accommodation costs.
GAA's Business
The GAA's financial strategy is clear – they want to maximize their revenue from Croke Park. While the organization's primary focus is on Gaelic games, concerts have become a significant source of income. The GAA's decision to host Oasis, following the success of Coldplay and Taylor Swift, is evidence of this shift in strategy. The organization has a proven track record of hosting large-scale events and is well-equipped to handle the influx of fans that these concerts bring.
It remains to be seen how the GAA will balance its commitment to Gaelic games with its commercial ambitions. However, one thing is certain: the organization is poised to reap the benefits of Oasis's highly anticipated reunion tour.
The Future of Croke Park
The upcoming concerts are not just a financial opportunity for the GAA, they also represent a chance for the organization to showcase Croke Park's potential as a world-class entertainment venue. The venue's capacity, its location in the heart of Dublin, and its rich history make it an ideal location for major events.
The GAA's strategic decision to host Oasis is a testament to the organization's foresight and its willingness to embrace new opportunities. The concerts are sure to draw a huge crowd and generate significant revenue, further cementing Croke Park's position as a major player in the entertainment industry.
