It’s officially the day of one of the most anticipated gigs of the summer: Night one of Coldplay’s ‘The Spheres World Tour’. The Band sold out 4 shows within an hour of ticket release last month, and while you might still nab a ticket on Ticketmaster’s resale service, this is a guide for those lucky enough to be attending over the next few nights. Be it transport, temperamental Irish weather or support act stage times, there can be a lot to keep tabs on. Amidst the excitement, we’ve got you covered here at Radio Nova, so you can relax and prepare for an unforgettable evening.
Here’s what you need to know: Gates open at 5pm, with the opening act Aby Coulibaly due to play at 6.30pm. Patrons are advised to arrive 45 minutes before the concert starts, but camping and early queuing are strictly prohibited out of respect to the community surrounding the stadium. Avoid the temptation to bring camping chairs, as you may be refused entry. Other prohibited items include cameras with detachable lenses and large rucksacks. Bear in mind there are no storage facilities on-site, so as always, travel light and comfortable to keep things moving along for the enjoyment of all concert-goers.
If you need to collect your ticket, the Ticketmaster box office will be located at the junction of the North Circular Road and Russell Street/Jones Road. If possible, plan where to approach the stadium from based on the colour route specified on your ticket. An easy-to-follow colour-coded map with the following information is available on MCD’s website.
- Blue Route (Hogan Stand): Enter via Jones Road and Russell Street.
- Red Route (Cusack Stand): Enter via St James’ Avenue and Foster Terrace.
- Yellow Route (Davin Stand): Enter via St Margaret’s Terrace.
- Green Route (PITCH A): Enter via Joseph’s Avenue.
- Red Route (PITCH B & C): Enter via St James’ Avenue and Foster Terrace.
There is no parking on-site, the use of public transport is advised, and delays should be expected.
Dart: Croke park is a 20 minute walk from Connolly Station, or 30 minute’s walk from Clontarf Road Dart station.
Train: Alight at Connolly or Drumcondra Station.
Dublin Bus Routes: 1, 6, 7(a), 11, 13, 15, 16, 27(a/b), 33, 40(b/d/e), 41(b/c/d), 42, 43, 44, 53a, 122, 123, 130, H1, H2, H3.
The weather is promised to stay dry apart from a possibility of rain on closing night, with temperatures of 14-18 degrees across the 4 nights. Fingers crossed for skies full of stars.
Irish-Senegalese talent Aby Coulibaly will kick things off tonight with a performance at 6.30pm, joined by Ballymun-founded rising stars Bricknasty. Expect jazz and R&B flair with a Dublin twist, and Aby’s rhythmic, say-it-like-it-is vocals. Both acts have played sold out shows with glowing reviews in recent months, and the opportunity to see them play to what is estimated to be their biggest audience yet is not to be missed. September is Ireland Music Month here at Radio Nova, so tune in to hear the best up and coming Irish music platformed throughout the month.
Tonight, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday you can expect to be singing along to decades’ worth of Coldplay albums including Viva La Vida (2008), X&Y (2005), Clocks (2003), as well as plenty of recent hits. Country/Folk-pop singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers is the main support act across all 4 nights and is expected to come on stage at 7.15pm after Aby Coulibaly. Chris Martin and Co. will be getting into full swing from 8.30pm for an expected 2 hours. Keep this guide handy and enjoy- It’s sure to be a night of magical proportions.
