Galway proudly brands itself as Ireland’s cultural capital, a city of festivals, music, theatre, and artistic ambition. Yet for all its claims to creative dominance, it remains curiously under-provided when it comes to suitable performance venues — particularly large, high-quality outdoor ones. As the redevelopment of the Sportsground into the new Dexcom Stadium progresses, an intriguing question arises: could this modern stadium finally offer Galway a long-needed outdoor concert space?
At present, the city’s venue infrastructure is stretched. Indoors, hopes are pinned on future developments such as the University of Galway’s plans and a long-anticipated expansion of Leisureland. But right now, the Town Hall Theatre remains the largest truly intimate indoor performance space, leaving a significant gap between small theatres and large, impractical alternatives. Outdoors, the problem is even more pronounced. Galway lacks a centrally located, scalable, and purpose-fit outdoor venue capable of hosting major music events without displacing sporting calendars or disrupting residential areas.
Dexcom Stadium may present a rare opportunity to rethink that imbalance.
One of the stadium’s greatest strengths is its location. Just a short stroll from Galway city centre and within walking distance of both Ceannt Station and the city’s main bus routes, it offers something few other potential venues can match: accessibility. Concertgoers would not need cars, large park-and-ride systems, or long journeys home. This alone places the stadium ahead of many rural or suburban alternatives that struggle with transport bottlenecks and local opposition.
Equally important is timing. Unlike GAA pitches, which are heavily used throughout the summer months, Dexcom Stadium is likely to be relatively idle during that season. Rugby’s calendar leaves long stretches of the summer open — precisely when weather conditions are most favourable for outdoor concerts and festivals. In that sense, the stadium’s availability aligns almost perfectly with the cultural calendar, rather than competing with it.
However, the challenges are real, and they should not be underestimated. The new pitch will be a 5G artificial surface — a sophisticated and costly investment designed for elite sport. While such surfaces are increasingly common, their performance under the stress of large standing crowds remains relatively untested in Ireland. Thousands of people congregating on the pitch, particularly over long periods, raises questions about compression, heat retention, and long-term wear.
More concerning still is the impact of alcohol. Not just on the patrons, but on the pitch. Artificial surfaces are particularly vulnerable to damage from spirits and sugary mixers, which can degrade fibres and infill materials. If Dexcom Stadium were to host concerts, strict controls on what types of alcohol could be consumed on pitch areas would almost certainly be required. That could affect both event logistics and audience experience, and would need careful planning and clear communication.
Pitch covering is another possible solution, and one already used in stadiums elsewhere. Yet this comes at a significant cost — both financially and logistically. Installation, storage, and maintenance of protective flooring systems are not minor considerations, especially for a venue still in the early stages of redevelopment. Any move toward regular concert hosting would require a clear economic case to justify such investment.
Still, the potential benefits are considerable. Galway has long struggled to retain major touring acts, many of whom bypass the city entirely due to the lack of suitable venues. A modern, centrally located stadium capable of hosting outdoor concerts would change that equation overnight. It would also create opportunities for Irish artists, festivals, and community events that currently have no natural home.
Beyond music, the wider cultural and economic impact could be significant. Concerts bring visitors, fill hotels, restaurants, and pubs, and extend the city’s tourism season beyond traditional peaks. They also reinforce Galway’s identity not just as a city of culture, but as a city capable of delivering on that promise.
Of course, Dexcom Stadium is first and foremost a sporting venue, and protecting its primary function must remain the priority. But modern stadiums across Europe increasingly serve multiple purposes, becoming civic spaces rather than single-use facilities. If managed carefully — with sensible limits, clear protections, and a collaborative approach between sporting bodies, promoters, and the city — Dexcom Stadium could follow that path.
In a city where cultural ambition often outpaces infrastructure, the idea of Dexcom Stadium as an outdoor concert venue is not fanciful. It is practical, timely, and rooted in genuine need. The question is no longer whether Galway could benefit from such a space, but whether it can afford to let the opportunity pass.
