Bohs cap Aviva opener at 30,000 and won’t budge, even if demand surges

Bohs' Ross Tierney celebrates at the Aviva. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Bohemians won’t be changing their decision of limiting their Aviva Stadium showcase opener to 30,000 regardless of demand.

The concept of switching venues from Dalymount Park to the national stadium proved a money-spinner last year as the Sunday afternoon derby against Shamrock Rovers attracted 33,000 patrons.

The 2026 equivalent, set for Sunday February 8 at 2pm, will involve St Patrick’s Athletic as the opponent.

The FAI facilitated the request for an opening day home Bohs fixture in the fixture list released yesterday.

Bohs are due to temporarily depart Dalymount at the end of this season. Two years of construction work require them to groundshare elsewhere, likely Richmond Park.

As the stayaway period depletes their matchday bar revenue, the Gypsies had long flagged their intention to bolster turnover through marquee games like this.

Yesterday, queues formed around Dalymount Park for the purchase of their new away jersey, in association with the band Kneecap.

Closing off the top tier of the 51,000-capacity Aviva reduces the cost of security and hospitality. Any turnout over 20,000 represents profit for the fan-owned club. Adult ticket prices start at €25 plus charges.

“This time around, we have made the decision to limit capacity at the Aviva Stadium to the lower bowl and premium sections, meaning a capacity for this game of just under 30,000,” said club President Matt Devaney.

“That capacity decision will not be reversed irrespective of ticket sales but gives us an attainable sell-out capacity target to aim for.

“As discussed with members previously, last year’s game at the Aviva Stadium raised vitally important funds for the club. It is our aim to emulate that once more ahead of what will be a challenging couple of years away from Dalymount Park."

Elsewhere, Premier Division and FAI Cup holders Shamrock Rovers will begin their quest for a sixth title in seven years by hosting newly-promoted Dundalk on Friday, February 6 at Tallaght Stadium.

Stephen Bradley’s side will travel back to Dundalk on the final day, October 30, concluding a league season stretched by a week this year to alleviate congestion.

Last season’s runners-up Derry City will welcome Sligo Rovers to The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in their opening clash. Also on opening night, 2024 champions Shelbourne travel to take on Waterford at the RSC and Galway United welcome Drogheda United.

The race for promotion in the men’s First Division kicks off with a Munster Derby as Cork City welcome Treaty United to Turner's Cross – a week later, on Friday, February 13 while Bray Wanderers clash with Longford Town after their play-off run last season.

Cobh Ramblers begin at home to Wexford while Kerry open away at UCD.

The first 'EL ClasiCork' derby between City and Ramblers will be played at St Colman's Park on March 6 while the first Cork versus Kerry derby, when Ger Nash will come up against Colin Healy, will be played at the Cross on April 6.

This Thursday’s Conference League fixtures for Rovers and Shels complete the 2025 schedule and, following the Christmas hiatus, the men’s President’s Cup between the Hoops and Derry opens the season on Saturday, January 31 at Tallaght (5pm).

The women’s President’s Cup starts proceedings on Sunday, March 8 at 2pm when Athlone Town welcome Shelbourne.