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2001- 2006
2002
In 2002 a new ‘Desso’ pitch was laid in Croke Park which is a combination of real grass and synthetic fibres.
2003
On June 21st 80,000 spectators including Nelson Mandela, U2, The Corrs and Muhammed Ali attend the opening ceremony of the Special Olympic Games in Croke Park.
2005
On March 14th 2005 the completed re-development of Croke Park was unveiled, ahead of schedule in twelve and half years, when a new Nally Terrace and Hill 16 Terrace were officially opened.
2005
On April 16th 2005 GAA Congress votes to open Croke Park to other games and abolish Rule 42. The motion gives the GAA Central Council the power to authorise the renting or leasing of Croke Park for events other than those controlled by the Association during a period when Lansdowne Road is closed for redevelopment.
2005
Over three nights in June 2005 U2 play to a quarter of a million people in Croke Park.
2006
In April 2006 the Canal End Stand is renamed as Davin Stand and Hill 16 is renamed as Dineen Hill 16