Official opening of the Aviva Stadium today

Today marks the official opening of the revamped Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin, now known as the Aviva Stadium.

It has already been confirmed that Manchester United will play in the first football match to be staged at the new sports arena.

The high-profile friendly is due to take place on August 4th when they take on a League of Ireland representative side.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Mary Hanafin will attend the opening ceremony this afternoon.