CLASH OF THE TITANS

So Saturday is the first chance for Ireland's rugby elite to sample the fantastic new Aviva Stadium.

It will be unusual for the lads in that they are normally sharing the hallowed Dubln 4 turf in green jerseys. Saturday will see Ireland's two most powerful rugby provinces clash in what will be an enthralling battle.

Leinster are in serious need of a victory having lost three of their opening four Magners League games under new coach Joe Schmidt. For their part Munster, well until Cardiff's victory over Connacht last night, are leading the table after a fine start which included two away wins.

The return of many of their elite players last week against Edinburgh didn't exactly have the desired effect, which adds to the pressure in this fixture.

All in all it leads to a facinating game...and we can't wait. Having international and major competitive sport back in the Ballsbridge area has brought a great buzz into the hotel.

Michael Bublé last week threw down the gauntlet to the rugby fans in terms of enjoying themselves. The bar was rammed after the gigs and the crowds lapped up Brendan Keeley's set in Gasworks.

Obviously, being a Dublin City hotel, our allegiance lies with the boys in blue, but that doesn't mean we don't have a soft spot for the lads from Munster. So all are welcome for some good food drink and craic before and after the game.

For those going to the game here is some useful information:
- Stiles open at 6pm
- Admission to all parts of Aviva Stadium is by ticket only,
- External check points will only admit patrons with the correct colour ticket.
- Patrons are reminded that parking is strictly prohibited in the areas around Aviva Stadium and vehicles parked illegally are liable to be clamped or impounded.
- The Grand Canal Hotel has limited car parking spaces available...get in early to ensure you get a space.
- Check out www.avivastadium.ie for more info.
- Kick Off is at 7.30pm

Gasworks Bar

Facilities include:
Sandwich Counter
From 3.30pm – late (12 midnight)
Sandwiches/Wraps/Pizza/Chips from €5.50
Bar Carvary From 4.15pm – 9pm
Chicken Curry & Rice, All €10
Burgers & Chips, Chicken
Goujons & Chips,
BBQ Beef Rolls & Chips
With salads

Restaurant
Tab menu €20 – 3/3/3 with T/C

Entertainment - Band – 10.30pm – 12.30

Wii in lobby on TV’s

Aviva Stadium

The official opening of the Aviva Stadium took place on Friday and by all accounts it is a beautiful thing to behold. We are really excited. It has felt like centuries since the old Kitty O'Sheas (now Gasworks) was thronged with punters cladded in green jerseys. Anyway here is a list of all the facts on the stadium...just in case you were interested. Thanks to the Irish Times for the info.

HISTORY: Lansdowne Road stadium first opened for athletics in 1872 and when it closed it was the oldest sports stadium in Europe. Work started on the Aviva stadium in May 2007 and the venue was officially opened on Friday May 14th, 2010. The project architects were Populous (formerly HOK Sports Architecture)/Scott Tallon Walker, while the main contractor was John Sisk Sons.
€410m
Total cost (inclusive of €191 million of government funding).
4
Stands – the south, east and west stands have four tiers. The bottom and top tiers provide the main volume of spectating facilities, the second tier is for premium ticket holders, and the third tier houses corporate boxes. The North stand comprises one low-level seating tier because it is close to nearby houses.
63,802 sq m
The area occupied by the stadium.
47.65m
Highest point above the pitch.
189.9m
Length, north to south.
203m
Width, east to west, excluding podium and grand stairs.
6,000
People employed over a three-year period.
4,000,000
Work hours during construction.
5,000 tonnes
Of structural steel used.
€40m
Cost of the naming rights which were awarded to Aviva on February 12th, 2009.
50,000
Seating capacity. All seating is under a roof, but the roof does not extend over the pitch. There are 36 corporate boxes, with seating for 850 people. Premium seats total 10,000.
230
Wheelchair positions.
150
CCTV cameras.
400
Beer taps, capable of delivering 90,000 pints.
68
Camera positions. There are three television studios.
400
The number of press facilities.
AND THERE’S MORE
Car parking spaces: 200 (100 for disabled drivers). Meals served on match day 2,300. Restaurants : three, with nine kitchens and 69 kiosks or bars. Catering staff: 900. Chefs : 48. Stewards : 700. Gardaí on duty inside ground : 50.