New Category 5 Rugby Seating at Aviva Stadium: Affordable Access to World-Class Rugby
If you’re a passionate supporter of Irish rugby, or even just rugby-curious, there’s big news from the heart of Dublin. The Aviva Stadium has launched a brand-new ticketing option exclusively for rugby matches: Category 5 (Cat 5) seating.
This move signals an important step toward making live rugby more accessible to fans of all ages and backgrounds. With affordable pricing, with a buzzing atmosphere, Cat 5 opens the doors of one of the world’s best stadiums to even more supporters.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the new Cat 5 ticket option, break down all seating categories at the Aviva, and show you how to secure your tickets through Sports Entertainment Tours, your trusted partner in rugby travel and matchday experiences.
What Is Category 5 Seating at Aviva Stadium?
Category 5 (Cat 5) is a new seating option introduced specifically for rugby events at the Aviva Stadium, including international test matches like the Six Nations, Autumn Internationals, and more.
Designed with affordability and accessibility in mind, Cat 5 gives fans the chance to attend Ireland’s biggest rugby fixtures. While these seats are located higher up in the stadium, they still offer uninterrupted views of the pitch, and the atmosphere in these sections is electric.
Whether you’re a school group, a family looking for a memorable day out, or a rugby fan on a budget, Cat 5 is your gateway to the live game-day experience.
Where Is Cat 5 Located?
Cat 5 seats as shown in yellow on the seat map offer a commanding view of the full pitch, ideal for fans who like to see the play unfold tactically. You’ll have a fantastic perspective on formations, strategy, and set-pieces.
✅ Pro tip: The crowd energy in these areas is often lively and vocal, expect plenty of singing, cheering, and banter with neighbouring fans.
All Aviva Stadium Rugby Seating Categories Explained
To help you understand how Cat 5 fits into the overall layout, here’s a detailed look at all the rugby seating categories at the Aviva Stadium:
Premium Grey on the map
- Location: Middle tier (Level 2)
- Experience: The ultimate rugby day out. These seats come with padded seating, lounge access, and optional hospitality upgrades like food and drink service.
- Why choose it: Ideal for corporate guests, VIPs, or fans looking to treat themselves to a luxury experience.
Category 1 (Cat 1) Green on the map
- Location: Lower tier sidelines and front of the upper tier, centred on the halfway line.
- Experience: These are some of the best non-premium views in the stadium. You’ll feel close to the action and perfectly positioned to see every tackle, line break, and try.
- Why choose it: Perfect for fans who want excellent sightlines and atmosphere without going full Premium.
Category 2 (Cat 2) Red on the map
- Location: Corners of both the lower and upper tiers.
- Experience: These seats offer a good view at an angle, often popular with value-conscious fans.
- Why choose it: A nice balance between price and visibility, especially if Cat 1 is out of budget.
Category 3 (Cat 3) Blue on the map
- Location: Lower tier behind the goals and long side
- Experience: Great for fans who want to be up close and loud. You’ll see the action coming straight at you during attacking phases.
- Why choose it: Known for being energetic and vocal, a favourite among hardcore rugby supporters.
Category 4 (Cat 4) Pink on the map
- Location: Upper and lower tier, various locations
- Experience: Elevated but not too high. Still part of the matchday atmosphere with decent visibility and a reasonable price.
- Why choose it: Often chosen by families, youth groups, and schools.
Category 5 (Cat 5) Yellow on the Map
- Location: Very back of the upper tier
- Experience: A full-pitch view from a height. You’ll be part of a large crowd and still feel immersed in the stadium energy.
- Why choose it: It’s the most affordable way to experience international rugby live at Aviva Stadium.
Important Note: No Change to Stadium Capacity
The introduction of Category 5 seating does not mean any changes have been made to the Aviva Stadium’s physical layout or overall capacity.
The Aviva Stadium still holds approximately 51,700 spectators, the same as before. What’s changed is simply how the existing seating has been reclassified to offer more flexibility and better pricing for fans.
Cat 5 is a new pricing category that applies to seats that were previously classified within Category 4. These seats were always part of the stadium’s upper tier, but with Cat 5, they are now available at a lower price point, helping more fans access Ireland’s biggest rugby matches.
So while the matchday atmosphere, views, and facilities remain exactly the same, your wallet will feel the difference.
Seat Map for Rugby at Aviva Stadium
To help visualise the seating categories, here’s how the rugby seat map is typically structured:

Why Category 5 Matters for Irish Rugby
The launch of Cat 5 is about more than just adding a cheaper ticket option, it reflects a bigger commitment to making rugby more inclusive and accessible to fans from all walks of life.
As the popularity of Irish rugby continues to grow, so does demand. But not everyone can afford Premium or Cat 1 seats. By introducing Cat 5, the Aviva Stadium is opening the gates for young fans, first-timers, schools, families, and supporters outside Dublin to experience live matches without breaking the bank.
Buy with Confidence: Sports Entertainment Tours Has You Covered
At Sports Entertainment Tours, we don’t just sell tickets, we’re rugby travel experts. Our team knows the Aviva Stadium inside and out, and we’ve helped thousands of fans experience the magic of Irish rugby in person.
Whether you’re after Category 5 affordability, Premium hospitality, or a custom group package, we can help you build the perfect rugby day or weekend.
Why book through Sports Entertainment Tours?
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We know the best seats in every section — and we’ll guide you based on your preferences and budget.
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Official ticket provider — no risk of third-party scams or last-minute issues.
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Custom packages — including hotel, flights, transfers, and matchday extras.
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Group, family, and corporate options — we make it easy for everyone to attend.
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Passionate rugby fans — we love the game and want to help you love it too.
Make It a Full Matchday Experience
Why stop at just a ticket?
When you book with Sports Entertainment Tours, we can offer:
- Hotel packages near the stadium or in Dublin City Centre
- Transfers from airports or hotels to the Aviva
- Hospitality upgrades, perfect for celebrating a special occasion
- Group coordination for schools, clubs, or large family trips
- Local insights to help you make the most of your time in Dublin
Whether you’re coming from Cork, London, Boston, or Belfast; we’ll help you make it an unforgettable rugby trip.
Cat 5: Rugby for Everyone
The launch of Category 5 seating for rugby at the Aviva Stadium is more than a ticketing update, it’s a powerful message that rugby belongs to everyone.
If you’ve been waiting for your chance to see Ireland play in person, now’s the time. With Cat 5, you can be there, feel the roar of the crowd, and be part of the magic, all at a price that makes sense.
Ready to Book?
Let Sports Entertainment Tours help you experience the thrill of live rugby at Aviva Stadium.
👉 Visit our
Rugby page to book your package today!
📞 Or contact our team directly to plan your rugby experience today on +44 (0) 28 9002 4446
Whether you choose Cat 5 or Premium, we’ll get you the best seat for your budget, and the best day out you’ll remember for years.


