- May 28, 2025
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
Axess AG has announced its partnership with Connacht Rugby as part of the redevelopment of the cutting-edge Dexcom Stadium, which is set to become a landmark for rugby excellence and regional growth in the West of Ireland. This collaboration forms a key component of Connacht Rugby’s ambitious ten-year Vision & Strategy for the province.
The initial phase of the redevelopment includes the construction of a brand-new North Stand, spread over four levels and featuring bars, retail outlets, and catering facilities. With a capacity of 7,000, the North Stand will increase the stadium’s total capacity to 12,000.
The project also includes the development of a state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre (HPC) to support elite athlete training and wellbeing.
Working alongside Conack Construction and Future Ticketing, Axess will install its advanced AX500 Smart Gate NG with turnstile and accessible flap modules to deliver secure, seamless automated entry to the North Stand.
Additionally, Axess will implement its comprehensive Axess EVENT ACCREDITATION system to manage access for staff, contractors, and officials during both matchday and non-matchday events.
Peter Oliver, Managing Director, Axess UK, said:
“The new Dexcom Stadium is scheduled to open during the 2025/26 season, Axess is thrilled to contribute to this transformative project.”
Axess AG is a longstanding VIP Sponsor of Sports Venue Business. Click on the banner below to find out more…
The New Dexcom Stadium
In October 2018, Connacht Rugby announced historic plans to redevelop Dexcom Stadium into a modern, fit-for-purpose rugby stadium with a state-of-the-art High Performance Centre. Construction began in 2022 and will be completed in the 2025/26 season.
Phase 1
The redevelopment began in May 2022 with the installation of a new synthetic playing surface and floodlight system.
Construction took approximately six months, with the new pitch delivered on-time and ready for our first home game of the season against Munster on Friday 7th October.
This new surface is instrumental in the club retaining Dexcom Stadium as our playing and training base for the long-term, and allows provides for more Club & School fixtures to be played at the home of Connacht Rugby.
The 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition is being held at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, on October 6-7th, with an Opening Night Icebreaker on October 5th. Axess is a Sponsor. The next SVB LIVE Networking Event is taking place at Fulham Pier in London on June 4th, including a tour of Fulham FC’s new Riverside Stand, with Axess to be in attendance.
Phase 1 was finished in November when, during the Autumn Internationals, a new LED floodlight system was installed. These new floodlights dramatically improved both the match-day experience for our supporters, and the TV experience for those watching at home.
Phase 2A – High Performance Centre
The new Connacht Rugby HPC will provide all of Connacht Rugby’s representative teams with world-class facilities to enable them to fulfil their potential, and ultimately perform at the highest level.
Built alongside the existing gym, the HPC will be the home of day-to-day operations at the club, with facilities including dressing rooms, physio areas, two canteens, and office space for pro team management and admin staff.
The largest section of the HPC is the half-size indoor training pitch, which uses a similar type of synethic surface seen on the main pitch and will allow our teams to train no matter the weather.
Construction began in March 2024 and is expected to take 12 months.
Phase 2B – North Stand
The new North Stand will provide spectators, player, officials, media and volunteers with state-of-the art facilities on game day.
It will have a capacity of just over 7,000 supporters and will consist of a mixture of standing, seating, and hospitality options.
Other unique features include:
- A cafe which will be open throughout the week and also sell club merchandise.
- A ‘tunnel club’, allowing fans the unique opportunity to experience gameday inside the player tunnel.
- Hospitality and conferencing spaces that can cater for up to 800 people, making it one of the largest venues of its kind in the West of Ireland.
Construction will be begin following the demolition of the Clan Terrace and Clubhouse in June 2024, and is due to be completed in the 2025/26 season.
Source, courtesy of Axess
Images, courtesy of Connacht Rugby
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