Dexcom Stadium - Home of Connacht Rugby, Galway

Dexcom Stadium, historically known as The Sportsground, is the legendary home of Connacht Rugby — one of Ireland's four professional provincial rugby teams. Located on College Road just a 5-minute walk from Galway's vibrant Eyre Square city centre, the stadium underwent a transformational €45 million redevelopment between 2018 and 2026 that increased capacity from 8,129 to 12,000. The new-look stadium officially reopened in January 2026 with a sold-out URC inter-provincial tie against Leinster on 24 January 2026, with a new record attendance of 12,481. The redevelopment delivered a brand-new Clan Stand seating over 6,500 supporters, a state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre for the professional squad, a new 3G synthetic playing surface, premium hospitality including the Atlantic Premium Level and The Lough Atalia Suite, and a modern LED floodlighting system. The stadium was renamed Dexcom Stadium in 2024 under a long-term naming rights partnership with US medical devices company Dexcom. Atmospheric matchdays at College Road are legendary — the "Clan" of Connacht supporters braving the Atlantic elements has created a uniquely passionate fortress in West Ireland rugby.

The Sportsground opened in 1927 on College Road on the east side of Galway city, with Galwegians RFC the first rugby tenants in 1928. The ground quickly became the focal point for rugby, Gaelic games, and university sports in Galway, uniquely shared with Greyhound Racing Ireland — the rugby pitch sits inside the greyhound track. The stadium hosted notable Gaelic games including the 1932 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Final and the 1942 Galway County Hurling Final, and briefly housed association football including Galway United (1993). Connacht Rugby became the primary professional tenant from the 1990s onwards, but capacity grew slowly — 5,500 in 2003-2011, 7,800 in 2013-2016, and 8,129 by 2016. The professional era brought unprecedented success: Connacht qualified for the Heineken Cup for the first time in 2011, with a then-record 9,120 watching the historic home debut against Toulouse on 19 November 2011. The 2016 Pro12 League title — Connacht's first major professional silverware — marked the peak of the old Sportsground era. In October 2018, Connacht Rugby announced an historic €30 million (later €45 million) redevelopment plan, with planning permission granted in May 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruption delayed completion, but construction accelerated from 2022 onwards with €20 million in government funding via the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. The new 3G synthetic pitch and LED floodlighting were installed first, followed by demolition of the old North Terrace and construction of the new 6,500+ capacity Clan Stand. The ground was officially renamed Dexcom Stadium in early 2024 following a long-term naming rights deal with US medical devices company Dexcom, announced alongside Dexcom's €300 million IDA investment in the Galway region. The redeveloped stadium officially reopened on 24 January 2026 with a sold-out URC inter-provincial against Leinster — drawing a record 12,481 fans.

Dexcom Stadium has long had a reputation as one of the most uniquely atmospheric grounds in European rugby. The "Connacht Clan" — a passionate, growing supporter base — braves the famously unpredictable Atlantic weather to cheer on the men and women in green. Wind, rain, and even occasional Galway hailstorms have become part of the matchday lore, with visiting teams often finding themselves uncomfortable in the elemental conditions. The compact city-centre location, just 5 minutes from Eyre Square, means the matchday extends across Galway's legendary Latin Quarter pubs and restaurants — making Connacht away days some of the most popular trips on the URC calendar. The new Clan Stand has retained the close fan-pitch connection while delivering modern comfort, and the original Clan Terrace remains the spiritual home of the most vocal supporters. Connacht's underdog "never-say-die" identity is reflected in the ground itself — a venue that punches above its weight on every matchday and consistently produces upset wins against more fancied opponents.

Connacht Rugby offers bespoke group guided tours of the newly redeveloped Dexcom Stadium by appointment. Tours showcase the brand-new Clan Stand opened in January 2026, the state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre, the home dressing room and players' tunnel, the premium Atlantic Premium Level including the spectacular Lough Atalia Suite with floor-to-ceiling views over Galway Bay, and pitchside access on the new 3G synthetic surface. Tours run subject to availability typically Monday to Friday outside of fixture and event schedules. Contact Connacht Rugby directly at info@connachtrugby.ie or +353 91 561568 to enquire about group tour availability and pricing.

While Dexcom Stadium does not have a dedicated permanent museum within the venue, the new redevelopment showcases significant Connacht Rugby heritage throughout the Clan Stand and Atlantic Premium Level concourses. Historic photographs, memorabilia and trophies are displayed celebrating key moments in Connacht's history — including the famous 2016 Pro12 League title win, the province's first Heineken Cup matches, and the long history of Galwegians RFC and rugby at College Road. The official Connacht Rugby Shop on-site stocks club merchandise, jerseys, and historic items.