The stadium was opened by government minister
Frank Aiken in 1939. It is owned by the
Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) and has been used by them for over 60 years as the venue for their national and international contests.
Music Historically, the stadium was used as a music venue, regularly hosting bands such as
The Dubliners,
Horslips,
Genesis,
Led Zeppelin,
U2,
Van Morrison,
The Smiths, and many others. On 26 February 1980, the band U2 performed a concert at the venue which was attended by executives of
Island Records; at the end of the show, the label signed the band to their first recording contract.
Professional wrestling Beginning in the 21st century, the venue has become a regular venue for
professional wrestling events. Wrestling promotions such as
Irish Whip Wrestling,
Total Nonstop Action and
Over the Top Wrestling have held events in the building.
Facilities The venue is situated on the
South Circular Road between
Clanbrassil Street to the east and
Dolphin's Barn to the west. The stadium stages amateur and professional
boxing and
professional wrestling bouts as well as providing facilities for concerts, conferences and
corporate hospitality events.
Capacity The capacity of the stadium is 2,080 for music events, which is reduced to 1,954 for boxing and wrestling events to accommodate the boxing or wrestling ring. The
Ringside club seats up to 400 people for parties or seated dining, but some junior boxing events also take place here.
Refurbishment In December 1999, the
Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Jim McDaid, announced a £1.3m grant under the Sports Capital Programme to undertake the refurbishment of the stadium. The two-storey building was provided with a new grey-coloured limestone facade during the refurbishment. ==References==