Croke Park revenue tops £10m

The GAA'S Central Council annual accounts show that Croke Park's income has surpassed £10 million for the first time. Expenditure was also up with games development or coaching, and capital grants nearly doubled at just over £2 million (total GAA grants for coaching last year were £6.6 million).

Income was boosted by a big rise in gate receipts from £5.9 million to £6.9 million. This was based on higher attendances at matches under Croke Park's control and also enhanced revenue from the redevelopment of the Canal End.

Higher attendances were surprising given that the Clare-Offaly hurling semi-final in 1998 took three matches to conclude, whereas last year, apart from the hurling quarter-final replay, there were no replays at senior All-Ireland level.

Enhanced revenue came from the demolition of the Canal End terracing and its replacement with seated accommodation which costs roughly twice as much per ticket.

Commenting on the accounts, Frank Tierney, the GAA finance officer, also referred to loss of income due to the absence of any concerts in Croke Park this year. This is because the demolition of the Hogan Stand has interfered with the venue's acoustics and made the noise impossibly loud for the surrounding residents.

Tierney estimates the loss to Central Council to be in the region of £500,000. "Exploiting the commercial side of Croke Park will not be fully possible until the redevelopment is completed," he said.

This trend will continue over the coming years. The Canal End stand will be completed in time for this year's big championship matches and it is hoped that the bottom deck of the new Hogan Stand will also be available for these matches.

If that projection is met, capacity for the 2000 All-Ireland finals will be greater than last year by around 4,000. Gate receipts will be considerably up as the increased attendance will be all in the stands. Roughly 54,000 spectators will be seated compared to around 49,000 last year.

For CLG teo, the company which runs Croke Park and rents it to the Central Council for All-Ireland matches, there was increased expenditure in relocating the GAA's offices to Westward House after the demolition of Aras Daimhin at the back of the old Hogan Stand.

One of the effects of the redevelopment on commercial activity - as referred to above by Frank Tierney - can be seen in the sources of revenue. It has long been an ambition of the association to reduce the proportion of income generated by gate receipts and increase that generated by commercial activities (including the sale of broadcast rights which has increased fivefold in as many years).

Last year's accounts showed that the ratio had reduced from 73:23 in 1994 to 61:35 in 1998. The current accounts indicate that this slipped slightly in 1999, back to 64:34, but when the Croke Park redevelopment is completed the underlying trend should continue.