Some Leinster fans won’t be happy with this rule ahead of Champions Cup final
One matchday rule may cause a stir amongst Leinster fans travelling to Bilbao for the Champions Cup final next week.
In accordance with local laws, alcohol service will stop 15 minutes before kick-off and will resume 15 minutes after full-time. The rule applies to both hospitality and general admission areas.
This is not a new rule for Champions Cup finals, as each host venue has its own specific rules. In Bilbao, the alcohol policy strictly follows the Basque regional sports legislation.
Champions Cup Final at San Mames Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Bilbao, Spain. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images
There will also be no alcohol service at half-time, but bringing drinks to your allocated seat is permitted, as long as it is bought well before kick-off. Heineken 0.0 and other non-alcoholic soft drinks will be sold continuously throughout the match.
Like the majority of games, match-goers are strictly prohibited from bringing their own alcohol, cans, or glass containers into the stadium grounds.
Leinster played Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup semi-final at Croke Park in 2024. There was a similar rule in place then, which prohibited people from consuming alcohol at their seats, and they were only able to drink in the concourse areas.
Josh van der Flier of Leinster after their victory against Northampton Saints at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Many fans on social media have agreed with the rule, with some saying similar measures should be taken in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Fans have welcomed the fact that it will put a stop to a constant flow of people getting up to get drinks during the game.
However, one flaw in the rule was pointed out on social media, with one user highlighting the fact that people may stock up on drinks before the 15-minute rule comes into place and carry them out to their seats. While the rule will stop the constant shuffling of fans during the game, it might only put a dent in the levels of alcohol consumption.
