dublin stadium tour

Aviva Stadium - Tours & Tickets

About aviva stadium.

Explore the Ultimate Stadium Experience: Aviva Stadium Tours in Dublin

Aviva Stadium, nestled in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, is not just a sports arena; it's a historic landmark and a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Offering an immersive and captivating stadium tour experience, Aviva Stadium provides visitors with an opportunity to delve deep into the rich heritage of this iconic venue. In this article, we'll walk you through what you can expect during your Aviva Stadium tour, and whether there's a museum to enrich your experience.  

Aviva Stadium Tour Highlights:

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Aviva Stadium tours go far beyond just sitting in the stands. You'll get exclusive access to areas typically restricted to athletes and staff. Walk through the player's tunnel, stand in the dugout, and imagine the roar of the crowd as you step onto the hallowed turf.
• Historical Insights: Learn about the stadium's fascinating history, from its construction in 2010 on the site of the old Lansdowne Road Stadium to its role in hosting unforgettable sporting events, concerts, and more. Expert guides will regale you with stories and facts that will deepen your appreciation for this world-class venue.
• Interactive Exhibits: Aviva Stadium offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Explore the changing rooms, where legends have prepared for battle, and gain a new perspective on the athlete's experience. See the impressive trophy room showcasing the triumphs of Irish rugby and soccer teams over the years.
• Stunning Views: The stadium's architecture is a sight to behold, and during your tour, you'll have the chance to soak in panoramic views of Dublin city from the upper tiers. Be sure to bring your camera to capture breathtaking moments and create lasting memories.  

Is There a Museum? While Aviva Stadium doesn't have a dedicated museum, the stadium tour itself serves as an immersive experience that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of its history, significance, and cultural impact. The guided tour and interactive exhibits give you a deep appreciation for the stadium's role in Irish sports and entertainment.  

Booking Your Aviva Stadium Tour: To ensure you don't miss out on this incredible experience, it's advisable to book your Aviva Stadium tour in advance. Tours are conducted regularly, and you can choose a time that suits your schedule.  

Aviva Stadium tours in Dublin offer a unique blend of history, sports, and behind-the-scenes access that promises an unforgettable experience. While there might not be a dedicated museum, the tour itself is a journey through time and an opportunity to appreciate the significance of this iconic stadium. So, whether you're a sports fanatic or simply a lover of great architecture and history, don't miss the chance to explore Aviva Stadium on your next visit to Dublin.

Other Stadiums & Museums in Ireland

Currently no other stadiums and museums available in this country.

Stadiums & Museums

• American-Football
• Johannesburg
• Los Angeles
• Rio de Janeiro
• San Francisco
• Silverstone
• Allianz Arena Bayern München
• Allianz Stadium
• Anfield Stadium
• Arrowhead Stadium
• AT&T Stadium
• Autoworld Museum Brussels
• Aviva Stadium
• Camp Nou Stadium
• Civitas Metropolitana
• Crypto.com Arena
• Dodger Stadium
• Eden Gardens Stadium
• Eden Park Stadium
• Emirates Stadium
• Enzo Ferrari Museum
• Estádio da Luz
• Estádio do Dragão
• Fenway Park Stadium
• Ferrari Museum Maranello
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• FNB Stadium
• Johan Cruijff ArenA
• Kaseya Center
• King Fahd International Stadium
• Lambeau Field Stadium
• Levi's Stadium
• Lord's Cricket Ground
• Madison Square Garden
• Maracanã Stadium
• MCG Stadium
• Mestalla Stadium
• Murrayfield Stadium
• Old Trafford Stadium
• Oracle Park
• Parc des Princes Stadium
• Patong Boxing Stadium
• Poljud Stadium
• Principality Stadium
• Rafa Nadal Museum
• Rajko Mitic Stadium
• Roland Garros
• San Siro Stadium
• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
• Sevilla F.C. Stadium
• Soldier Field
• Stade de France
• Stadio Olimpico
• Stamford Bridge
• Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Stadium
• TD Garden Stadium
• The Gabba Stadium
• Silverstone Museum
• Twickenham Stadium
• United Center Chicago
• Wembley Stadium
• Wrigley Field Stadium
• Yankee Stadium

Copyright © 2023

• Click to open search
• Open the main navigation

Croke Park Stadium Tour and GAA Museum

• Family friendly
• Cloudy days

Croke Park Stadium Tour - The Backstage Pass

Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. With a capacity of 82,300, this magnificent stadium is actually the third largest in Europe.

Its size is only part of its greatness, however, as you’ll discover on this eye opening, access all areas tour. From quirky insights into why Croke Park’s grass is always greener to learning about defining moments in Irish history, the passionate Tour Guides will take you on an inspiring journey around our national stadium.

Some of the highlights include taking a seat in the VIP area, getting a birds eye view from the media centre, sneaking a peek inside the dressing rooms, and of course, walking in the footsteps of legends as you go pitch side through the players’ tunnel!

Please see website for more information, including tour times, prices and directions to the GAA Museum.

The Docklands Tour is back, and it's FREE with every Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Ticket! Read More

Croke Park Museum, Stadium Tour, and Skyline Tour

• Get behind the scenes at Ireland's largest and most iconic stadium
• At the home of the GAA, discover why this stadium has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years.
• Walk in the footsteps of your sporting heroes and visit the team dressing rooms before going pitch-side
• Enjoy the state of the art interactive sports area, and test your skills at the home of the GAA
• Brave exhillarating heights on the Skyline Tour for breathtaking views of Dublin City

Croke Park Museum & Stadium Tour

Croke Park – One of the largest stadiums in Europe and home to our beloved GAA! Come and explore Irelands most iconic sports grounds. You’ll learn all there is to know about the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association in the Croke Park Museum.

Experience a guided tour in this sensational interactive visitor centre and explore behind the scenes of this iconic stadium! From the pitch to the dressing rooms to the VIP area…you’ll get to see it all. Croke Park Stadium Tours  gives you an opportunity to learn about the history of the GAA through a beautifully presented exhibition. You can even test your skills in Gaelic football and hurling at the state-of-the-art games zone – something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Croke Park Skyline Tour

Take the adventure to new heights with the Croke Park Skyline!

The Skyline Tour is of the best things to do in Dublin – Experience unparalleled views of the capital, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow mountains to name but a few. Make sure you take your camera to snap some epic pics!

Tours at dusk are also available.

For one of the most unique experiences in Dublin, you can now try yoga on the Croke Park Skyline!

Croke Park Tour Tickets

You can buy tickets for Croke Park Tours directly from the Croke Park website. Child, Student, Senior, Adult, and Family tickets are available. It is highly recommended to book in advance.

Croke Park Tour Prices

Child tickets start at €7, and adult tickets are €10, though discounts are available for families.

Entrance to Croke Park Museum

All tours and activities start from the GAA Museum which is located in the Cusack Stand.

Getting to Croke Park Museum and Skyline Tour

Croke Park is about 15 minutes walk from Dublin City.

The closest Irish Rail station is Drumcondra Station, which is a 5 minute walk from the stadium. The closest DART station is Connolly Station, a 15-20 minute walk.

Take the No 3, 11, 11a 16, 16a and 41 from the City Centre to Drumcondra Road. Visit dublinbus.ie for full details, and to plan your journey.

Croke Park is just a short cycle from the City Centre. The nearest Dublin Bike stations are located on North Circular Road and Mountjoy Square. There is bike parking facilities available in the Cusack Stand car park.

Other Attractions Closeby

Glasnevin Cemetery is located close to Croke Park, as well as the tranquil National Botanic Gardens - it's a must to visit when you are in the area!

• Items ( 0 )

GAA Museum and Tours

The Croke Park Stadium Tour, Skyline and GAA Museum are the perfect way to truly immerse yourself in Irish culture - so don’t be surprised if you leave a little bit of your own heart behind in Croke Park!

Admission to the GAA museum is included on all Stadium, Skyline and Bloody Sunday Tours.

From 12 Aug to 6th September, parking and access for museum and tour visitors is the Davin car park.

Please click here for more details.

 Dublin Bus

Close 

Croke Park Museum & Stadium Tour

• Get the backstage pass at Ireland's most iconic stadium
• See the home of the GAA, and learn the origins and history of Ireland's most important sports.
• Walk in the footsteps of sporting legends and visit the team dressing rooms before going pitch-side
• State of the art museum detailing key events in Ireland's and the GAA's history
• Breathtaking views of Dublin City on the Skyline Tour

Croke Park - A Background

Croke Park is Ireland's (and one of Europe's) largest and most iconic sporting stadiumds, and is the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). A visit to the Croke Park museum is an insight not just into Ireland's most famous sports, it showcases the history, culture and traditions surrounding Gaelic games, and how Croke Park has played a central role in Ireland's history for over 100 years.

Croke Park is the home of Ireland's largest sporting and cultural organisation, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) - Croke Park has played host to iconic moments in Irish sport & history and to major cultural and international events.

For well over a century, the stadium has been headquarters of the GAA. Every September, two of Ireland's key sporting events - the GAA All-Ireland Football and Hurling Championship Finals – attract a capacity 82,300 fans, to witness the pinnacle of Gaelic games action - in this world famous stadium.

Croke Park Museum

A museum like no other, the Croke Park museum allows visitors to get up close to the unique story of Gaelic games and the GAA, right from its historic origins to the present day. This museum is like no other sporting museum you’ll ever visit. Clebrating the history of Ireland’s national games, the museum vividly brings to life how the GAA has contributed to our cultural, social and sporting heritage. Visitors will recognise how closely linked the GAA, Gaelic Games, and the Croke Park stadium have been in key historical events in the nation's history. Featured exhibitions include the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups, the Hall of Fame, and a whole floor dedicated to the games as they are today. The is also an Interactive Games Zone, where you can test your hurling and Gaelic football skills!

Croke Park Stadium Tours

The stadium tour offers an access-all-areas trip through this magnificent home of the GAA. Follow in the footsteps of Irish sporting legends as you visit the team dressing rooms before going through the tunnel and onto pitch-side to take in the vast stadium in all its glory.

Croke Park Skyline Tour

Grab your friends and harness your adventurous side for a trip to Croke Park’s Skyline. Scale new heights on the Skyline Tour which is a tour like no other in Dublin. You will enjoy a thrilling rooftop walk on top of this iconic stadium. Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Dublin City, as well as views of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, and across Dublin Bay. And of course - the incredible view of the Croke Park pitch! Tours at dusk are also available.

For one of the most unique experiences in Dublin, you can now try yoga on the Croke Park Skyline!

Stadium and Museum Tour Tickets

You can buy tickets for Croke Park Tours directly from the Croke Park website . It is recommended to book in advance.

Croke Park Tour Price

Child tickets start at €7, and adult tickets are €10, though discounts are available for families. Child, Student, Senior, Adult, and Family tickets are available. Access to the GAA Museum and the new ‘Remembering Bloody Sunday’ exhibition are complementary after your Croke Park Stadium Tour or Skyline Tour. There are also some museum-only tickets available daily at select times.

Croke Park Museum and Stadium Tour Entrance

All tours and activities start from the GAA Museum which is located in the Cusack Stand.

Getting to Croke Park Museum and Skyline Tour

Croke Park is about 15 minutes walk from Dublin City.

The closest Irish Rail station is Drumcondra Station, which is a 5 minute walk from the stadium. The closest DART station is Connolly Station, a 15-20 minute walk.

Take the No 3, 11, 11a 16, 16a and 41 from the City Centre to Drumcondra Road. Visit the Dublin Bus website to plan your journey.

Croke Park is just a short cycle from the City Centre. The nearest Dublin Bike stations are located on North Circular Road and Mountjoy Square. There is bike parking facilities available in the Cusack Stand car park.

A Guide The Croke Park Tour (GAA Museum, Skyline Tour + Bloody Sunday)

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: July 26, 2023

If you’re looking for interesting places to visit in Dublin , Croke Park is a good place to start.

Although the Aviva Stadium might be the shiny new stadium du jour, the heart and soul of Irish sport lies among Dublin 3’s narrow roads and terraced houses at Croke Park.

Even when there isn’t a game on, the Croke Park tour provides a great platform to learn about Irish sporting history and a whole lot more. 

In the guide below, you’ll find info on the story behind this historic stadium and the GAA museum to the Croke Park Skyline Tour.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about the Croke Park tour

Photo courtesy GAA Museum via Ireland’s Content Pool

Although booking into the Croke Park tour is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Croke Park (or ‘Croker’ as it’s known to locals) is walkable from the city centre, and you can make it there within half an hour. Otherwise, you can jump on a number of different buses. You can also take the DART to Drumcondra Station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

2. Admission + opening hours

Admission (prices may change) to the GAA Museum is €9 for adults, while it’s €7.50 for students and seniors. It’s €6.50 for children aged 3-12 (under-3’s go free), while families of two adults and two children can enter for €21. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. 

3. The tours

Croke Park really pushes the boat out when it comes to the variety of tours on offer! Choose from a historical tour at the GAA Museum, an all-access Stadium Tour or get a unique view from above with the Crok Park Skyline Tour. They’re all cracking tours led by experts, so choose one (or all of them!) and see what Croke Park’s all about. 

4. Home to a heap of history

Croke Park is home to the sort of history that few other stadiums can match, and not all of it is pleasant. But that doesn’t make it any less interesting! As well as opening way back in 1884, it was also the scene of the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre where 14 civilians were gunned down by British forces. But more on that in the next section.

A brief history of Croke Park

The history of Croke Park is a long and interesting one. And it’s forgotten by many who take a seat inside its walls.

Below, you’ll get an insight into some of the stories you’ll hear during the Croke Park tour. Pay particular attention to the section on Bloody Sunday.

1. A stadium for an Archbishop

The land around Croke Park had been used as the setting for sporting events since the 1880s and was known as the City and Suburban Racecourse, or Jones’ Road sports ground. Then in 1908, the ground was bought by a local journalist and GAA member with a view to making it a permanent Gaelic sporting ground.

Five years later, the GAA purchased the plot of land for £3,500, and the ground was then renamed Croke Park in honour of one of the GAA’s first patrons, Archbishop Thomas Croke. 

2. Bloody Sunday

By 1920, it had a couple of stands and was on its way to eventually becoming a recognised stadium. Things came to an abrupt halt, however, on the 21st of November of that year.

During a match between Dublin and Tipperary, British forces fired on the crowd of 5,000, killing twelve spectators and a Tipperary player in response to an IRA attack earlier in the day. 

The event has lived on in infamy and only increased support for the IRA at home and abroad. Built in 1924, the Hogan Stand at Croke was named after Michael Hogan, the Tipperary player killed on Bloody Sunday. 

3. Big games and bigger gigs

Croke Park has since evolved into an elite sports stadium, and its capacity has swelled to 82,000, making it the fourth-largest stadium in Europe. It continues to be used predominantly by the GAA and hosts the annual All-Ireland finals in Gaelic football and hurling. 

It also regularly hosts music gigs by some of the world’s biggest artists. Unsurprisingly, it’s been a favourite of U2 for many years, but Croke has also hosted gigs by the likes of Bon Jovi, Take That and Tina Turner. 

What to do at Croke Park

One of the reasons that the Croke Park tour is seen as one of the best day trips from Dublin City is due to the number of things there is to see and do.

Below, you’ll find info on the Croke Park Skyline Tour and the GAA Museum to where to visit nearby.

1. The GAA Museum

Courtesy GAA Museum (via Ireland’s Content Pool)

When people refer to the ‘Croke Park tour’, they’re usually talking about the GAA Museum, which vividly brings to life how the GAA has contributed to Ireland’s cultural, social and sporting heritage.

The GAA Museum tells the story of Ireland’s unique national sports. Featuring a ton of artefacts, including jerseys, medals and photographs, there’s so much here to keep you entertained, even if you’ve no idea how Gaelic football or hurling work. You’ll soon know!

There are also exhibitions, and the Remembering Bloody Sunday Exhibition is the one to go to if you’d like to know more about that terrible day in 1920.

It shaped the landscape of Ireland in more ways than one and is as important an event as any other in Ireland’s struggle to be free of Britain’s grasp. This is regarded as one of the best museums in Dublin for good reason.

2. The Skyline Tour

Photo by Orazio 72 (Shutterstock)

Now here’s a tour you won’t find at any old stadium! Get an epic view of Dublin from 17 storeys high at Croke Park’s Skyline Tour. Dublin’s highest open-viewing platform , this amazing rooftop walkway will give you a birds-eye view over the stadium and pitch and you’ll be able to learn about each stand from a unique vantage point. 

When you’ve finished checking the stadium out, you’ll then be able to turn and get a stunning panorama of Dublin City! The expert guides will point out all of the city’s significant landmarks and tell you about them in their own way. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos on this tour!

3. The Stadium Tour

Photos via Shutterstock

Want to get an insight into what it’s like to be one of the privileged few to play at Croke Park? Minus the sweat, of course! The Croke Park Stadium tour gives you a backstage pass to see areas of the stadium fans would never normally get to see on match days. 

Take a seat in the VIP area, enjoy a birds-eye view from the media centre, take a look inside the dressing rooms, and walk in the footsteps of Gaelic games legends as you go pitchside through the players’ tunnel! The expert tour guides will tell you all about the history of the stadium on the way and point out all of its interesting quirks and landmarks. 

Things to do near Croke Park

There’s an almost endless number of places to visit in Dublin after you’ve finished up on the Croke Park tour.

Below, you’ll find everything from historical sites and old pubs to great places to eat, one of our favourite walks in Dublin and more.

1. Glasnevin Cemetery

Stretching across 124 acres, this famous Glasnevin Cemetery is the final resting place for some of the most prominent names in Irish history. Take one of their cracking tours and hear the stories and see the graves of the likes of Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera and Brendan Behan. The O’Connell Tower offers a viewpoint to rival that of the Croke’s Skyline (though there’s a 198-step climb to see it!). 

2. National Botanic Gardens

Photo left: kstuart. Photo right: Nick Woodards (Shutterstock)

Situated next door to Glasnevin Cemetery, the National Botanic Gardens is the place to come for a deep dive into the natural world during your time in Dublin. Founded in 1795, they house approximately 20,000 living plants and many millions of dried plant specimens across 48 acres. 

3. Endless attractions in the city

Head back down south towards the city centre but stop by at Parnell Square to celebrate some of Dublin’s finest literary artists at the Dublin Writers Museum or the James Joyce Centre. Continue down O’Connell Street if you want to see Trinity College and Temple Bar . Staying north of the Liffey, the Jameson Bow St Distillery is just a 15-minute walk from Parnell Square.

4. Food and trad pubs

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

There’s plenty of pubs near Croke Park so you can go and grab a pint, whether it’s a match day or not. The likes of The Auld Triangle, Meagher’s or Fagan’s are all cracking options but they only really come alive if you’re there for a big game! Or, if you fancy visiting somewhere very  unique after the Croke Park tour, visit the Gravediggers in Glasnevin.

FAQs about the Croke Park tour

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What is the story behind Bloody Sunday and Croke Park?’ to ‘Is the GAA Museum worth visiting?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What happened on Bloody Sunday at Croke Park?

On the 21st of November 1920, during a match between Dublin and Tipperary, British forces fired on a crowd of 5,000, killing 12, in response to an IRA attack earlier in the day. 

Is the Croke Park Skyline Tour worth doing?

Even if you have no interest in the GAA Museum, the Croke Park Skyline Tour is well worth doing, as you get to see Dublin from a very unique angle.

What’s involved in the GAA Museum tour?

Vividly bringing to life how the GAA has contributed to Ireland’s cultural, social and sporting heritage, the GAA Museum tells the story of Ireland’s unique national sports.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

GAA Museum & Tours

• Legends Tours
• Stadium Tour
• Skyline Health and Safety
• Skyline Tour FAQs
• Croke Park Skyline Gallery
• Club & Group Tours
• School Tours
• Virtual Museum

Kellogg’s Skyline Croke Park Tour

THE HIGH POINT

•   GAA Museum and Tours

Important Information:

If you are visiting the GAA Museum & Tours, please see below in relation to tours availability, access and parking. Please note due to work in the stadium for upcoming concerts some tours will be unavailable. Monday 12 th – Wednesday 14 th August: The GAA Museum & Tours will be open as normal. Please click here for parking information. Thursday 15 th – Sunday 18 th August: The GAA Museum & Tours will be closed to the public with no tours in operation. Monday 19 th August – Monday 26 th August: The GAA Museum & Tours will be open with limited tours available, there will be no Stadium tours in operation. The GAA Museum, Junior Explorer and Skyline tours will still be in operation. Please click here for parking information.​ Tuesday 27 th August  – Tuesday 3 rd September: The GAA Museum & Tours will be closed to the public with no tours in operation. Wednesday 4 th   – Sunday 8 th September: The GAA Museum & Tours will be open as normal.

If you have any queries please call the Museum reception on 01-8192323 .

• Book a tour
• Latest News

Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour

Are you ready for a 17-storey high? Then bring your adventurous spirit (and your camera!) to Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour. Located right in the heart of the city, this thrilling rooftop walkway is actually Dublin’s highest open-viewing platform and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ireland’s vibrant capital from the mountains to the sea.  This Dublin City tour highlights all of the capital’s main landmarks while giving you an insight into its heartfelt history, told in a uniquely charming way by the charismatic Tour Guides. Then of course there’s the sporting highlight – the incredible view from the platform that’s suspended over the Croke Park pitch itself.

2024 Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour Pricing

Tours operate on an adjusted schedule on match days, so please contact us in advance before travelling. Please note if you are booking the 3.30pm tour, the GAA Museum closes at 5pm so we advise visiting it before the tour begins.

€23 for Adults

€21 for students/seniors, online advance booking only.  book now , discover our tours, kellogg's skyline croke park tour times, january - may, october/november, events & offers.

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours 2024

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tour Series of Croke Park returns with another stellar line-up for 2024

Find Out More

Bealtaine Festival at the GAA Museum

This month's book club author Humphrey Kelleher, will take part in a free live Bealtaine event at the GAA Museum.

GAA Museum Gift Shop

Get the perfect gift for that GAA person in your life. Open to the public - no advance booking required.

Stadium & Skyline tours gift vouchers

Why not give them a voucher for the Croke Park Stadium or Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour.

More about Gift Vouchers

View our Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour Gallery

Tour Health & Safety

Please ensure that you and your party are familiar with, understand and accept the Health and Safety Regulations in advance of purchasing tickets and arrival to the GAA Museum for the tour. Read More

Dusk Tours - Winter Months Only

These thrilling evening tours take place on the roof of the iconic Croke Park Stadium, an incredible 17-storeys above the pitch, giving you stunning panoramic views of the glittering Dublin Skyline as it moves from twilight to darkness.

Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour viewing points

2. hogan/davin, 4. davin/cusack, 5. pitch view.

Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park FAQs

Health & Safety

How to get here

Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour Gallery

Group bookings.

• SI SWIMSUIT
• SUBSCRIBE NOW

2025 PGA Tour Schedule: Complete Dates, Winners, Purses

John schwarb | aug 14, 2024.

Here is the complete schedule for the 2025 PGA Tour season, including every major championship and the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs.

We'll update this article after every tournament with the winner of each event and the total prize money won.

Here's when each of the majors will be played in 2025:

2025 Golf Major Championship Schedule

• The Masters: Week of April 7-13 at Augusta National, Augusta, Georgia
• PGA Championship: Week of May 12-18 at Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
• U.S. Open: Week of June 9-15 at Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania
• British Open: Week of July 14-20 at Royal Portrush, Antrim, Northern Ireland

Here is the schedule, which features 39 events ending in August 2025.

The 2025 PGA Tour Schedule: Complete dates, winners and prize money

Date, Tournament, Course(s), Location, Champion and Purse

Dec. 30-Jan. 5:  The Sentry, Kapalua Resort (The Plantation Course), Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Winner: TBD, $20 million purse

Jan. 6-12:  Sony Open in Hawaii, Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii

Winner: TBD

Jan. 13-19:  The American Express, PGA West (Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course), La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, California

Jan. 20-25:  Farmers Insurance Open (Saturday finish), Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course, North Course), San Diego, California

Jan. 27-Feb. 2:  AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach, California

Winner: TBD, $20 million purse

Feb. 3-9:  WM Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), Scottsdale, Arizona

Feb. 10-16:  The Genesis Invitational, The Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California

Feb. 17-23:  Mexico Open at Vidanta, Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, Mexico

Feb. 24-March 2:  The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, PGA National Resort (Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

March 3-9:  Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando, Florida

March 3-9:  Puerto Rico Open, Grand Reserve Country Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Winner: TBD

March 10-16:  The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass (The Players Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

March 17-23:  Valspar Championship, Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

March 24-30:  Texas Children's Houston Open, Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

March 31-April 6:  Valero Texas Open, TPC San Antonio (The Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

April 7-13:  Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

April 14-20:  RBC Heritage, Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

April 14-20:  Corales Puntacana Championship, Puntacana Resort & Club Corales Course, Puntacana, Dominican Republic

April 21-27:  Zurich Classic of New Orleans, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

April 28-May 4:  CJ Cup Byron Nelson, TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

May 5-11:  Truist Championship, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 5-11:  Myrtle Beach Classic, Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

May 12-18:  PGA Championship, Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

May 19-25:  Charles Schwab Challenge, Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

May 26-June 1:  the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

June 2-8:  RBC Canadian Open, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley North Course, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Winner: TBD,

June 9-15:  U.S. Open, Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania

June 16-22:  Travelers Championship, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

June 23-29:  Rocket Mortgage Classic, Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

June 30-July 6:  John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

July 7-13:  Genesis Scottish Open, Renaissance Club, North Berwick Scotland

July 7-13:  ISCO Championship, Hurstbourne Country Club, Louisville, Kentucky

July 14-20:  British Open, Royal Portrush, Antrim, Northern Ireland

July 14-20:  Barracuda Championship, Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California

July 21-27:  3M Open, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

July 28-Aug. 3:  Wyndham Championship, Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

2024 FedEx Cup Playoffs

Aug. 4-10:  FedEx St. Jude Championship, TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

Aug. 11-17:  BMW Championship, Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland

Aug. 18-24:  Tour Championship, East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

JOHN SCHWARB

John Schwarb is a senior editor for Sports Illustrated covering golf. Prior to joining SI in March 2022, he worked for ESPN.com, PGATour.com, Tampa Bay Times and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is the author of The Little 500: The Story of the World's Greatest College Weekend. A member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Schwarb has a bachelor's in journalism from Indiana University.

Follow johnschwarb

Paramore recreates iconic Freddie Mercury moment at Eras Tour in Wembley

LONDON — Paramore opened Taylor Swift 's Eras Tour on Saturday with an homage to an iconic moment in Wembley Stadium history.

Before the band's final song “This Is Why,” lead singer Hayley Williams had an itch to do something bold.

“I’ve always wanted to try this,” she said before belting “ay-oh.”

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

The crowd echoed her operatic note knowing it was a nod to Freddie Mercury. The Queen front man captivated Wembley Stadium during a 20-minute Live Aid set in 1985.

The crowd and Williams ping-ponged the held notes of “ay-yo.”

“Oh my f***ing God,” Williams said.

Paramore checks on, congratulates fans

Earlier in the band's set, Williams interrupted a song to check on fans.

“We got to stop,” Williams said a couple of lines into “Only Exception" when she noticed a fan in need of medical attention. “Are you guys all right?”

The sold-out stadium at 70-80% capacity to watch Swift fell silent.

“Sorry, let’s just make sure they’re OK before we start again,” Williams said as the hush fell over the tens of thousands watching the opening set. “Wow, Wembley Stadium, it’s quiet.”

While paramedics made their way to the fan on the sardines-packed floor, the camera picked up two fans holding up signs reading, “We got married yesterday" and "Still Into You was our first dance."

“Where are you?” Williams asked, seeing the back screen, and said “congrats” after she found them.

While scattered cheers celebrated the newly engaged couple, Williams turned back to the fan in need of help.

“Can you give me a thumbs up if they’re good?” she asked before getting confirmation. “All right, we got a thumbs up.”

A fan was seen being rolled out shortly after by three safety workers in yellow highlighter vests.

Paramore went back into “Only Exception.” The American rock band has two more shows left opening for Taylor Swift in London after following her across Europe since May.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Paramore recreates iconic Freddie Mercury moment at Eras Tour in Wembley

PGA TOUR releases 2025 FedExCup Season schedule

Second year of reimagined schedule to deliver heightened drama and consequence for fans, with eight signature events complementing the players championship, four majors and the fedexcup playoffs.

Change Text Size

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The PGA TOUR on Wednesday announced the 2025 FedExCup Regular Season and FedExCup Playoffs schedule, a 39-event slate that marks Year 2 of the TOUR’s new competitive model. A combination of Full-Field and Signature Events offers heightened drama and consequence for fans — plus life-changing moments for the game’s biggest and newest stars — each week across the FedExCup Season.

The 36-event FedExCup Regular Season schedule features the 51 st playing of THE PLAYERS Championship in March, the four major championships, eight Signature Events, 18 Full-Field Events and five Additional Events. The three-event FedExCup Playoffs follow during the month of August, with the FedExCup Champion crowned once again at the TOUR Championship. The 2025 FedExCup Fall, which will finalize eligibility for the 2026 season, will be announced at a later date.

Continuing on past success, the TOUR schedule will be fully sponsored — which includes the recently announced partnership with Truist — a seven-year agreement with the PGA TOUR’s Charlotte-based event, now known as the Truist Championship.

“The new schedule and competitive changes introduced in 2024 were significant steps toward creating the best version of the PGA TOUR for our fans and players,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Fields were significantly stronger across the board, while the Signature Events provided fans more opportunities to see the PGA TOUR’s best competing head-to-head. As we enter the second year of this reimagined schedule, one thing remains a constant — winning on the PGA TOUR continues to rank among the most difficult and rewarding accomplishments in sport. We are grateful to the entire membership, especially our Player Directors and Player Advisory Council, as well as our tournaments and partners.”

The 2025 FedExCup Regular Season and Playoffs include events contested in the United States across 18 states as well as Mexico, Canada, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

The PGA TOUR season will be televised domestically on NBC/Golf Channel/Peacock, CBS/Paramount+ and PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, with SiriusXM handling live radio coverage. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available in more than 200 countries and territories in 30 languages.

Signature Events

Contested at a number of the world’s most historic and recognizable courses, Signature Events complement THE PLAYERS Championship, the four majors and the FedExCup Playoffs. These events feature limited fields comprised of the world’s best competing head-to-head on a regular cadence throughout the season.

The eight Signature Events, which offer increased FedExCup points (700 points to the winner), are as follows:

• The Sentry (Dec. 30-Jan. 5)
• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Jan. 27-Feb. 2)
• The Genesis Invitational (Feb. 10-16)
• Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard (March 3-9)
• RBC Heritage (April 14-20)
• Truist Championship (May 5-11)
• the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday (May 26-June 1)
• Travelers Championship (June 16-22)

Following The Sentry, eligibility for the remaining seven Signature Events (field sizes with a minimum of 72 players) includes the top 50 players from the 2024 FedExCup standings. Additional eligibility pathways are available throughout the season, connecting the entire PGA TOUR schedule from start to finish. These pathways include:

• Fifteen members who can play their way in through the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5;
• Current season tournament winners (excluding Additional Events);
• PGA TOUR members inside the top 30 in the Official World Golf Ranking;
• Four sponsor exemptions earmarked for PGA TOUR members;
• The three player-hosted events each have one tournament host exemption, not restricted to PGA TOUR members.

The Aon Next 10 represents the top 10 players, not already exempt, from the FedExCup standings, while the Aon Swing 5 includes the top five FedExCup points earners, not already exempt, from a collection of Full-Field Events leading up to each Signature Event. In 2024, 48 different PGA TOUR players who did not finish in the top 50 of the previous year’s FedExCup Playoffs and Eligibility Points List made at least one Signature Event start via the Aon Next 10 or Aon Swing 5.

2025 FedExCup Regular Season Highlights

January-February

• The 2025 FedExCup Regular Season begins in Hawaii with the “Opening Drive” at The Sentry (Dec. 30-Jan. 5) at the Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui and the Sony Open in Hawaii (Jan. 6-12) at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. With the start of the season, all players reset to zero FedExCup points as they begin their journey toward the FedExCup Playoffs. The Sentry, the season’s first Signature Event, includes PGA TOUR winners from the previous calendar year as well as the top 50 members from the 2024 FedExCup standings.
• Following the two Hawaii events, The American Express (Jan. 13-19), played across three courses in La Quinta, California, returns after a historic finish in 2024 where Nick Dunlap became the first amateur to win on the PGA TOUR since 1991. Dunlap went on to win the Barracuda Championship, becoming the first player in TOUR history to win as an amateur and a professional in the same season.
• The Farmers Insurance Open (Jan. 20-25), played at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, will feature a Saturday primetime finish on CBS/Paramount+ for the fourth consecutive season. The sixth APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational will be played Jan. 25-26 at Torrey Pines, with final-round coverage on GOLF Channel.
• The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Jan. 27-Feb. 2), to be played at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California, is the second Signature Event of 2025 and features amateurs competing alongside professionals (80 players) over the first two rounds, with the competition limited to professionals only for the final two rounds at Pebble Beach. AT&T is the TOUR’s longest continuous title sponsor dating, back to 1986.
• The WM Phoenix Open (Feb. 3-9) in Scottsdale, Arizona, will once again be contested the same week as Super Bowl LIX (played in New Orleans). In 2024, Nick Taylor captured the trophy at TPC Scottsdale a year after finishing runner-up to Scottie Scheffler.
• The first of three player-hosted Signature Events, 82-time PGA TOUR winner Tiger Woods will host The Genesis Invitational (Feb. 10-16) at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. The three player-hosted Signature Events will once again have a 36-hole cut to the top 50 and ties and any player within 10 shots of the lead, as well as a special exemption in addition to the four sponsor exemptions reserved for TOUR members.
• Mexico’s national open, the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld (Feb. 17-23), became an official PGA TOUR event in 2022. In 2024, rookie Jake Knapp earned his maiden PGA TOUR title at VidantaWorld in Vallarta, Mexico.
• Rounding out the month of February will be the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (February 24-March 2), kicking off the traditional Florida swing at The Champion Course at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

March-April

• Staying in Florida, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard (March 3-9) — backed by more than 20 years of support from Mastercard — will be contested at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. The tournament’s namesake — the late Arnold Palmer — was one of the founding members of the PGA TOUR in 1968 and is considered golf’s greatest ambassador. The Puerto Rico Open will be played concurrently at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Puerto Rico.
• With support from Proud Partners Comcast Business, Optum and Morgan Stanley, the PGA TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship (March 10-16), returns to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. In 2024, world No. 1 and FedExCup leader Scottie Scheffler became the first player to successfully defend a title at THE PLAYERS, edging Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman by one shot.
• One week later, the Valspar Championship (March 17-23) returns to Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Florida, a favorite venue among PGA TOUR members. Peter Malnati captured his second career PGA TOUR title on the Copperhead Course in 2024.
• Two weeks in Texas lead the run-up to the Masters Tournament (April 7-13). The first stop is the Texas Children’s Houston Open (March 24-30) at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. The 2025 season will mark the second consecutive year of the Houston event being played in the spring. The following week, the Valero Texas Open (March 31-April 6) is set for TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course, where Akshay Bhatia captured the 2024 title in wire-to-wire fashion, earning the final exemption into the Masters.
• The week after the Masters, the fifth Signature Event of 2025, the RBC Heritage (April 14-20), returns to the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. That same week, the Corales Puntacana Championship , an Additional Event in the Dominican Republic, returns to Puntacana Resort & Club’s Corales Golf Course.
• The PGA TOUR’s only official team event, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (April 21-27), features two-player teams competing in both Foursomes and Four-Ball competition over 72 holes. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry emerged victorious at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, in 2024.
• In CJ Group’s second year as title sponsor, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson (April 28-May 4) — named in honor of the legendary Texan who captured 52 career PGA TOUR titles — will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
• Truist was announced on Aug. 6 as title sponsor of the TOUR’s traditional stop at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. With Quail Hollow Club set to host the 2025 PGA Championship (May 12-18), the Truist Championship (May 5-11) will be contested at The Philadelphia Cricket Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That same week, the second edition of the Myrtle Beach Classic at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will be played.
• The Charles Schwab Challenge (May 19-25) returns to Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, the longest-running host venue on the PGA TOUR (outside of the majors), where Davis Riley held off world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in 2024 to earn his second PGA TOUR title.
• Hosted by golf’s greatest sportsman, Jack Nicklaus, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday (May 26-June 1) returns to its traditional position on the TOUR’s calendar following Memorial Day. The Signature Event will be played at Nicklaus’ masterpiece, Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.
• The RBC Canadian Open (June 2-8) will make its debut at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course), just the eighth facility to host Canada’s national men’s open golf championship since 1977. The event returns to its traditional date the week prior to the U.S. Open.
• Following the U.S. Open (June 9-15) at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, the TOUR heads 475 miles northeast to Cromwell, Connecticut, for the final Signature Event of 2025, the Travelers Championship (June 16-22). In 2024, Scottie Scheffler won his fourth Signature Event of the season at TPC River Highlands and sixth Regular Season event before going on to claim the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
• A pair of TPC Network courses that host PGA TOUR events will celebrate 25 th anniversaries in 2025: TPC Deere Run, site of the John Deere Classic (June 30-July 6), and the Arnold Palmer-designed TPC Twin Cities, which has hosted the 3M Open (July 21-27) since 2019. In addition, the Rocket Mortgage Classic (June 23-29), played near downtown Detroit at Detroit Golf Club, makes up the TOUR’s Midwest presence in Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan, respectively.
• For the fourth consecutive season, three tournaments will be part of both the FedExCup and the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai. In 2024, Robert MacIntyre became the first Scottish player in 25 years to win the Genesis Scottish Open (July 7-13), which is co-sanctioned by both Tours, while the ISCO Championship (July 7-13) and Barracuda Championship (July 14-20) each allow access to 50 DP World Tour members. As previously announced, the ISCO Championship will move to Hurstbourne Country Club (Championship Course) in Louisville, Kentucky.
• The Open Championship (July 14-20) returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland, for the first time since 2019 when Ireland’s Shane Lowry won his first major title.
• The Wyndham Championship (July 28-Aug. 3) concludes the FedExCup Regular Season and finalizes the 70-player field for the first FedExCup Playoffs event.

2025 FedExCup Playoffs

The 19 th edition of the FedExCup Playoffs follows, with the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings qualifying for the first FedExCup Playoffs event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship (Aug. 4-10) at TPC Southwind, in Memphis, Tennessee. Those players are also exempt for Full-Field Events and THE PLAYERS in 2026.

From there, the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings advance to the BMW Championship (Aug. 11-17), contested at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, for the second time. In 2021, Patrick Cantlay won in a six-hole playoff en route to winning the FedExCup. Players who advance to the BMW Championship are fully exempt for the following season and qualify for all Signature Events in 2026.

Following the BMW Championship, the top 30 will move on to the season-ending TOUR Championship (Aug. 18-24). With support from Proud Partners Accenture, The Coca-Cola Company and Southern Company, the FedExCup Playoffs finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, will crown the FedExCup Champion and award a $25 million bonus.

FedExCup Fall

After the TOUR Championship, the 2025 FedExCup Fall will finalize top 125 eligibility for the 2026 season, as well as starts in THE PLAYERS. While players in the top 50 will continue to be eligible for FedExCup Fall events, players ranked No. 51 and beyond carry over their FedExCup points from the Regular Season and FedEx St. Jude Championship and will continue to accumulate points through the FedExCup Fall toward their eligibility status for 2026.

Aer Lingus College Football Classic - Georgia Tech v Florida State University

• P!NK - Summer Carnival World Tour 20/6

Due to unprecedented demand from her fans across the UK and Europe, music icon P!NK is set to make a rapturous return in 2024, announcing brand new dates on her spectacular Summer Carnival World Tour, which saw her play at sold-out shows across the summer, delighting over 1 million of her fans along the way.

P!NK has announced an Irish show for Aviva Stadium, Dublin on 20th and 21st June 2024. Tickets from €89.50 including booking fee go on sale on Thursday 30 November at 9AM. Subject to licence.

Joining  P!NK  on her Summer Carnival Tour in Dublin in 2024, will be special guests , Rag ’n’Bone Man, GAYLE,  and DJ and producer  KidCutUp. 

Rory Graham rose to prominence under the Rag’n’Bone Man moniker in 2016 with the release of the now world-renowned single ‘Human’; showcasing a characteristic blend of blues and hip hop and introducing the world to his powerfully deep baritone voice. Having won 3 BRIT awards during his debut campaign as well as a plethora of international accolades, Graham cemented his success with critics, following the record-breaking release of his 4x platinum #1 album of the same name ‘Human’.  ‘Life by Misadventure’, Graham’s second Nashville-created #1 album with Columbia Records that came out in May 2021 and spent 7 weeks in the Top 10 and featured widely successful singles that included All You Ever Wanted, Alone and Anywhere Away From Here (a duet with P!nk)19 year-old singer-songwriter  GAYLE   catapulted  into the spotlight in 2021 with the hugely infectious viral hit track ‘abcdefu’. The double-platinum anthem propelled the Nashville-based artist to such milestones as earning her first-ever GRAMMY Award nomination, 2 MTV VMA nominations and a Billboard Music Awards finalist.  DJ and producer  KidCutUp,  has played everywhere from world famous clubs to summer festivals around the world, and will be well known to the P!NK audience as he was also a special guest on the ‘Beautiful Trauma World Tour’ and current ‘Summer Carnival’ World Tour.

P!NK also released a new single “ Dreaming '', a collaboration with  Marshmello  and  Sting  in October which will be featured on a special  Tour Deluxe Edition  of her ninth studio album, T RUSTFALL , set for release on December 1. The Tour Deluxe Edition features six live recordings from her record-shattering 2023  Summer Carnival Tour including singles such as “ What About Us” , “ When I Get There ”, and “ Cover Me in Sunshine ” featuring her daughter  Willow Sage Hart , as well as covers of Sade’s “ No Ordinary Love ” and Sinead O’Connor’s “ Nothing Compares 2 U ” with  Brandi Carlile.

2023 saw P!NK ’ s first shows in Europe in over four years, and she didn’t disappoint. Described as ‘ The Greatest Live Entertainer in the world ’ and ‘ hands down one of the best concerts, ever ’ P!NK brought her colossal Summer Carnival Tour production to over 1 million fans across 21 massive sold-out shows in 7 countries , including 7 in the UK alone. The much-loved pop superstar enthralled fans with a hit-packed, high-energy, carnival-party visual feast for the imagination, featuring breath-taking aerial acrobatics, pumping dance routines, vibrant costume changes, and surprise guests, perfectly showcasing that P!NK is one of the best live performers of all time.

The Summer Carnival Tour recently completed a North American leg where P!nk performed to a further 1.75 million fans with sold-out record-breaking shows across the country. The Summer Carnival Tour visits Australia and New Zealand next with shows in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Auckland and more.

An expected 3 million fans will have witnessed the epic party of a lifetime by the end of the Australia and New Zealand tour in March, putting Summer Carnival on track to be one of the biggest-selling tours of all time.

For ticket information visit pinkspage.com

Follow P!NK on social media

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

Best MLB stadium tours: Go behind the scenes at these ballparks

“Life is an adventure, it’s not a package tour.”  – German philosopher Eckhart Tolle 

If you enjoy going on “package tours” of historic mansions, foreign cities or fascinating museums, why not take a tour at a Major League Baseball stadium? We won’t tell Tolle, but let’s consider such a guided tour our own little “adventure.” 

While it varies by venue, such tours typically lead you through the clubhouse, press box, workout facilities, batting cages under the stands, a dugout … and some will even allow you to walk onto the playing field. If the team has its own museum, those are likely to be included. The Atlanta Braves, for instance, include a curated look at their exceptional Monument Garden at Truist Park when you take one of their tours.  

When planning a tour of a Major League ballpark, keep several things in mind: 

Pro Tip No. 1: For the most behind-the-scenes experiences, go when the team doesn’t have a home game.  

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

You will often see notices listing features you won’t be able to see when there is a game that day. So even though you are likely to pay the same whether such access is permitted or denied, you’ll get more for your money when the team is on the road, or has an off-day during a homestand. 

Pro Tip No. 2  Hurry to visit an older ballpark. You might not get another chance.   

Derrick Sloboda of Fort Wayne, Indiana considers himself quite fortunate that he took a tour at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park before it was demolished. The Giants had already moved closer to downtown at what is now called Oracle Park, and the 49ers were about to move south to Santa Clara, so Candlestick was in its final weeks.  

“The guide extended the tour by an hour because so many people were saying ‘good bye,’ (so) we had half hour on the field, which was great,” recalls Sloboda. 

Keep in mind that the main purpose of taking a guided tour is to create memories, and once that venue is gone, those memories will be even more special to you. 

Pro Tip No. 3: Try to overlook the high prices  

Typically the money you pay for the tour goes to a charity or “foundation” operated by the team, or one that’s meaningful to the ownership. The prices can be pretty high (VIP Tours at some parks top $500), but you’ll get to visit parts of the facility that fans rarely get to see.  

So rather than focusing on what it costs, think about the charity your purchase is supporting. And appreciate that you and your family are getting to experience the places where your favorite players do their work. 

It’s hard to put a price tag on that. 

Join us now for our ranking of the five MLB parks with the best tours (OK, I’m cheating by including six!), based partially on the experiences of visitors to my BaseballParks.com site. 

1. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles  

While other teams might offer you one or two options of tours, the Dodgers provide 11 ! These range from the standard walking stadium tour ($30, and kids and seniors are $25), to the pregame tour of landmarks within the ballpark ($45), to the "Take the Field Tour" where you can play catch in the outfield ($175, only on non-game days – bring your glove!) all the way to the $500 VIP Tour that includes getting to greet the players as they take batting practice.  

Most of these experiences include a tour of the Vin Scully Press Box, which is Holy Ground to me, because it’s where I actually got to meet Vin about a dozen years ago!

While on a trip to visit relatives in California, Dutch citizen Chris Kabout thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Chavez Ravine. “The tour showed you the press boxes, old locker rooms, showcases with trophies, gold gloves, retired jerseys, the dugout and you were allowed to walk on the dirt,” he recalls. 

The Netherlands resident added that the tour’s guide kept things lively by asking the group trivia questions about the Dodgers. And considering the team dates back to 1883 as the Brooklyn Grays, there is a lot of trivia to discuss! 

2. Citi Field, New York  Mets

As befits Citi Field’s reputation as a fun place to attend a game, tours of the Mets’ home have a decidedly upbeat and enjoyable atmosphere, complete with a sit-down history lesson in the room where post-game press conferences are held.  

Like the Dodgers, the Mets offer multiple tour options – with varying prices. The public tour costs $25 ($20 for kids 12 and under) and will take you to the private suites, two of the season-ticket-holder restaurants, the press box and down on the field.  

On days with a home night game, the "Grand Slam Tour" is available for $70, and that’s over and above the cost of your game ticket. This also permits early entry into the park to watch batting practice. If you want to get closer to the players around the batting cage, there’s the $250 All-Star Tour. 

They also offer private tours, with the cost depends on how many are in your group. For instance, if you put together a group of ten, the cost is $62.50 per person.

3. Wrigley Field, Chicago  Cubs

When Wrigley was being designed 110 years ago, they didn’t make it easy to get from one spot under the stands to another. But that just makes the guided tours of the Friendly Confines all the more interesting.  

The charge of $30 is reasonable compared to other parks, and whether it’s a gameday or not, you’ll get to check out the famous bleachers and go down on the field. If the Cubbies aren’t home that day, you’ll also get to go in the visiting clubhouse plus one of the dugouts … and you’ll get up close and personal with the iconic ivy growing on the outfield wall. 

4. Yankee Stadium, New York  

If you go on a tour here, you won’t be visiting the exact spot where Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig played – or Bernie Williams for that matter – because this version of Yankee Stadium opened in 2009. But you will be able to visit the monuments to Babe and Lou in Monument Park in center field as part of the $35 Classic Tour. It also includes the New York Yankees museum. There’s even a version of the tour that includes lunch at the Hard Rock Café that’s built into the ballpark.  

One number you’ll see and hear often during any tour here: 27. That’s the number of World Series titles captured by the Bronx Bombers. They won’t let you forget it! 

5 (tie). Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals & Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Royals

While one is a fairly new facility (Busch Stadium, 2006) and one is kind of not-so-new (Kauffman Stadium, 1973), they have more in common than the state of Missouri. Both the Cards and Royals operate exceptional museums that are worthy of your time, and their tour guides are among the nicest and friendliest in the sport. 

The Royals have been operating tours for decades, and they have the process down pat. They offer three versions, and you can’t beat the prices: the Classic Tour costs $15; the All-Star tour is $25 (includes the team Hall of Fame); and the MVP Tour costs $35 (includes the broadcast facilities and the dugout suites). Don’t forget to visit KC’s excellent Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, just six miles west of Kauffman. 

Across the state in St. Louis, the Cards offer two tours. The 360 Tour is a quick walk around the park and the dugout, showing you the view from various vantage points. It costs $12. The Classic Tour is $22 and includes a visit to the broadcast booths and admission to the Cardinals museum across the street.  

Come to think of it, plan an adventure to Missouri so you can visit both Kauffman and Busch. The “package tours” sure are affordable, and you won’t get in trouble with a German philosopher! 

About Joe Mock: Joe has examined all 30 Major League parks, all 23 spring training parks and all 119 affiliated Minor League parks – plus plenty of indy league and college facilities. He covers sports facilities for USA TODAY publications and he’s operated  BaseballParks.com  since 1997. There he’s posted nearly 100 in-depth reviews of pro parks that have opened in the last quarter century. His ballpark expertise has landed him appearances on the Travel Channel and History Channel. You can  follow his ballpark escapades on X @baseballparks .