Over 24 hours in advance of the forthcoming match, Noel Anderson, who co-owns The Bridge 1859 public house located in Ballsbridge, was already witnessing the initial signs of the imminent Europa League final. By Tuesday evening, followers of the German and Italian teams were starting to pour into the city, heading towards South Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to observe the training preceding the match. As Anderson noted, there were clear indications that the football event was heating up.
As early as Tuesday, there was already a prominent garda presence, and signs marking the event began to pop up. Anderson’s initial patrons were officials in lanyards who arrived in search of sustenance and hydration.
A considerable force of 2,300 police officers is being mobilised for the event – one of the largest police operations the nation has seen. “It’s got a higher security presence than St Patrick’s Day,” Anderson shared, knowledge gained from a recent meeting with the gardaí.
The Europa League final, second only to the Champions League match in terms of size, is anticipated to have substantial logistical and economic impacts on Dublin. An estimated 50,000 supporters of either Bayern Leverkusen from Germany or Italy’s Atalanta are expected to pack the Aviva Stadium in time for the match beginning at 8pm. Countless beverages are likely to be sold as roads close and Dart services limit their operation as part of the security measures.
Atalanta fans, identifiable by their blue and black colours, plan to march from the RDS on Simmonscourt Road around 5.30pm, proceeding along Merrion Road, Pembroke Road and Lansdowne Road. On the other hand, Leverkusen supporters dressed in red and black will depart from Shelbourne Park, heading towards South Lotts Road and Bath Avenue. These processions, numbering in the thousands and bursting with music and flags, are likely to result in temporary road closures along their respective routes.
Anderson admits he can’t fully anticipate what’s ahead, though preparations at his pub include employing four security officers and using plastic glasses to maintain a fun, carnival-like atmosphere. The Gardaí aim to minimise traffic interference, but due to the extensive operation, diversions, extensive parking limitations, and occasional closing of adjacent roads will be inevitable in the South Dublin area.
Management at Dublin Airport announced on Thursday they are preparing to welcome 20,000 club enthusiasts arriving in the next two days, along with an additional 10,000 participants from over 20 different nations. To assist the supporters, complimentary transportation into the city centre is ensured.
However, not everyone is coming by plane. Daniel Ortmann from Germany, along with his buddies Michaela Schmidt and Christian Vallo, has landed via a French ferry as a segment of a 3,000km round-trip which involves two games in Leverkusen.
On Thursday afternoon, they made their way towards prematch practice with post-final celebrations in mind, hoping for a win before returning to their ferry.
Ortmann expressed awe over Dublin’s incredible vitality, with massive support for their team, Leverkusen, and their coach, Xabi Alonso. He found Dubliners to be quite admirable.
Before the match even starts, many are anticipating that fans will have an awesome time in the city.
Daithí de Róiste, the Dublin Mayor, who inaugurated the official fan zone at Dublin Castle, is hoping for two massive parades from Shelbourne Park and RDS by the contrasting fan bases. “The global spotlight is on us,” he stated.
Having high expectations, the mayor predicted that before the match the atmosphere will be electrifying and post-match, he would hope the fans immerse themselves in the charms of the city.
There would be no shortage of places to stay for anyone who manages to find a last-minute match ticket by chance. As of Wednesday evening, single rooms were available for less than €100 on Gardener Street in the city’s northern region and in Temple Bar across the River Liffey. Dormitory quarters were available for under €90, while city hotels had suites priced above €200 if preferred.
The forthcoming cup final, scheduled to take place in the middle of the week, presents a golden opportunity for Dublin to showcase its renowned hospitality offerings. This sentiment was indeed expressed by Donall O’Keeffe, the CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), an organization representing the city’s hospitality industry. He earnestly hopes to welcome a significant number of Atalanta and Leverkusen supporters, encouraging them to experience Dublin’s globally acclaimed pub culture first-hand throughout the city’s many public houses.
Even though the finer dining establishments in the city might be less impacted, the event is still viewed as a favourable occasion by the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI). Often such high-profile events cast a positive global spotlight on the city, pointed out its CEO, Adrian Cummins.
He further added that from what he understands, the policing mandate for the event will be the biggest ever in the country’s history—a significant claim considering prior state visits by the Queen and American presidents to Dublin. If it outdoes those, then the security measures involved are guaranteed to be substantial.