The Royal Dublin Society Arena (RDS) will be known as the Laya Arena when it re-opens next year following an extensive redevelopment.
The Sun said healthcare giants Laya have bought the naming rights for the venue in Dublin, Ireland which is undergoing a major revamp that will result in a capacity in excess of 20,000.
RDS CEO Paul Kelly said, “The RDS has been a cornerstone of Irish life for centuries and, with Laya Rena, we are embarking on an exciting new chapter.
“The partnership provides an important commercial contribution needed to close the funding gap for the Anglesea Stand reconstruction.
“This allows us to ensure the venue’s long-term sustainability and cultural relevance while delivering a modern, future-proofed and accessible experience.”
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is an Irish philanthropic organization and members club which was founded as the ‘Dublin Society on June 25th, 1731 with the aim to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically.
The 18,500-capacity RDS Arena is a multipurpose sports stadium owned by the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and located in the Dublin suburb of Ballsbridge, Ireland. The arena was developed to host equestrian events, primarily the annual Dublin Horse Show, which was first held there in 1881.
The site had been acquired in 1879 by the RDS and is now the home of Leinster Rugby.
The redevelopment of the Anglesea Stand and Grandstand at the stadium has come in at a cost of €52 million.
Laya Arena will officially reopen in August with the Dublin Horse Show and will host its first Leinster game the following month.
Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan said: “This is a hugely significant day for Leinster Rugby as we move ever closer to a return to the RDS, our home stadium since 2007 and indeed, for the many years ahead.”
D.O. O’Connor, Laya healthcare Managing Director, commented: “Today is a landmark moment for Laya healthcare – one of the biggest sponsorship investments in our 25-year history, and a powerful statement about our future now that we are part of AXA.
“Laya Arena brings us closer to the action, closer to our members, and closer to the communities we serve.
“It deepens our long-term connection with rugby while opening the door to incredible shared experiences in sport, music and culture -all with connection and wellbeing at their core.
“This is about building something that lasts, something that truly belongs to everyone.
“At Laya healthcare, we are passionate about investing in our growth, in our brand and in the communities we serve.
“Partnerships like Laya Arena help build our national presence, connect with members in meaningful ways, and support broader wellbeing — all of which ultimately strengthen our business for the long term.”
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