Dublin is ready to welcome thousands of sports fans, with the city scheduled to host the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 24.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are set to open the 2024 College Football season when they take on the Florida State Seminoles in a mouthwatering match-up.
More than 47,000 tickets have been purchased, and around 27,000 American fans will attend the game, highlighting the popularity of the sport.
Last year’s clash between the Navy and Notre Dame Fighting Irish generated a record €180 million for the local Irish economy.
The game also witnessed the largest-ever single movement of US citizens outside the country for an individual sporting event.
This year’s fixture will generate an estimated €115m for the economy, reinforcing Dublin as a premier destination for international sports events.
The Classic match will also boost the Irish betting industry. With the event drawing attention from domestic and international audiences, bookmakers are anticipating a surge in betting activity.
College Football garners significant wagering interest in Ireland, and the Classic will likely increase revenue for betting apps over the next few weeks.
The extensive media coverage will drive traffic to the Irish betting industry, potentially drawing in international bettors and raising the profile of Ireland as a key player in the sports betting arena.
Besides the main event, the build-up to the game is a festivity on its own. The week leading up to the clash is usually packed with activities that showcase the vibrance and hospitality of Dublin.
There are community, business, academic, medical and sporting activities around Dublin throughout the week, and fans can immerse themselves in the festivities to get the complete package.
Pep rallies will be held in Smithfield Square and Merrion Square, while Budweiser has planned parties in local pubs as anticipation ramps up for the showdown.
The classic is projected to pull in a global audience, with over 3.5m viewers tuning in from the US on ESPN. ESPN’s College GameDay Built will broadcast directly from Dame Street in Dublin City Centre. This marks the first time the pre-game show will be broadcast outside the US.
TG4 will also broadcast the game locally. This is the first time the match will be live on free-to-air television in Ireland, with Sky Sports slated to cover the match-up in the United Kingdom (UK).
The Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) will add to the excitement. They have lined up a series of high school games at Energia Park in Donnybrook as football fever grips Ireland.
Among the side attractions of the event are the business and networking summits, which include the prestigious Ireland-US CEO Club. Over 350 executives from both countries will gather for networking events before the game.
These summits bring together influential Irish, United States and European business heavyweights and the top Chief Executive Officers of the two travelling universities.
This line-up of exciting events has something in store for everyone as Ireland flaunts its ability to host major international events ahead of hosting duties at the 2028 European Championship.
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, noted that the game will help promote Ireland as a hub for American football.
“Hosting such events drives participation in sport and creates a lasting legacy,” he said. “Importantly, it also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement, and economic benefits.
Director and Co-Founder of the Classic, Padraic O’Kane, added: “The passion and excitement generated by the event are truly remarkable. We are delighted to welcome fans from around the world to experience the unique atmosphere of a game day in Ireland.”
Interestingly, locals are excited to see one of their own play in the game. County Kerry native David Shanahan is expected to line up for Georgia Tech, ramping up local enthusiasm.
The Georgia Tech punter played up to the under-17 level with Kerry, enjoying great success winning the 2017 Munster Championship before moving on. In his three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, the Irishman has punted 179 times for 632 yards, recording a personal best of 71 yards.
Aer Lingus will play a crucial role in connecting fans to the event. Chief Customer Officer Susanne Carberry is excited by the prospect of showcasing Ireland on the world stage.
“The Aer Lingus College Football Classic offers us a special opportunity to bring the energy and excitement of College Football to Ireland while showcasing our brand and country to a global audience of millions,” she said.
