Ahead of Bruce Springsteen's three sold-out shows at the R.D.S. this weekend Aiken Promotions held a press conference this morning outlining plans for the event. Those lucky enough to be attending the first Irish Boss shows since Croke Park in 2016 are advised that gates will open on Friday (May 5), Sunday (May 7) and Tuesday (May 9) at 5pm. There is a possibility that they may open up slightly earlier but this will be decided on the day. The show starts at 7pm and as usual with Springsteen there are no support acts because, frankly, he doesn't need them. It is expected that each show will last about three hours but that's up to the man himself.

Aikens and Ticketmaster have asked patrons to check their tickets and view their barcodes in advance, and ensure that they're attending on the right day. Your phone in most if not all cases is your ticket and the following instructions have been issued:

• Download the Ticketmaster App & enter your Ticketmaster login credentials
• Click on My Events and select the relevant show
• Click view barcode, you will see a barcode that continually refreshes
• Screenshots or printouts of digital tickets will not be accepted for entry

It's recommended that you have your phone fully charged and the brightness set to maximum to help with scanning.

Your ticket also has details on your entry route (Blue/Red or Yellow) and there will be signs directing you as you approach the venue.

As usual with big events such as this one, you're advised to avoid purchasing tickets or merchandise from unofficial sources. It's also very strongly recommended that you use public transport rather than bringing the car as there will not be parking available. Full details of An Garda Siochana's traffic management plan are available at garda.ie

Early queuing will not be permitted in the streets around the venue. These are residential areas and Aikens ask ticket holders to please respect the privacy of the residents and businesses in the local community. Patrons are also asked not to bring bags unless it is totally necessary. If it is, bags must be less than A4 size.

Latest event updates are available from aikenpromotions.com

If reports back from those lucky enough to be in Barcelona last week are anything to go by, then you're in for a hell of a show, but you probably already knew that. Do you remember the night in the R.D.S. when he stopped the rain with a wave of his mighty hand? I'm sure I didn't imagine that. They don't call him The Boss for nothing.

My Favourite Things: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Shuffle