Saturday, November 23, 2024

American Football Classic to bring 27,000 fans to the Aviva Stadium and €115m boost to Dublin

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The much-anticipated game between Georgia Tech and Florida State University is estimated to benefit the local economy to the tune of €115 million.

The game will kick off at 5pm in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, August 24, reaching sell-out status for the second consecutive week and marking the opening fixture of the 2024 College Football season.

Fans can still get involved, as there are plenty of other events taking place across the city, such as pep rallies in Smithfield Square and Merrion Square.

Budweiser is also hosting tailgating events in pubs throughout the week, along with live radio and podcast broadcasts.

There will also be events with top American football presenters in Dublin’s pubs and whiskey distilleries.

The Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT), a triple-header of games, is taking place in Energia Park in Donnybrook.

Summits in business, sport and networking are also planned around Dublin throughout the week.

A full schedule of activities for the week and tickets to the high school football games are available through the official Game Week App, which includes an interactive map of Dublin for travelling fans.

There will also be a live broadcast brought to Dublin by ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot on Dame Street, marking the first time the pre-game show has been broadcast outside the US.

TG4 has confirmed it will broadcast the game live on free-to-air television in Ireland for the first time, while Sky Sports will cover the game in the UK.

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht said: “This game showcases Ireland’s ability to host major international sports events.

“Hosting such events drives participation in sport and creates a lasting legacy. Importantly, it also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement, and economic benefits, positioning Ireland as a European home for American football.”

Padraic O’Kane, director and co-founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, also said that the passion and excitement generated by the event is “truly remarkable”.

“We are delighted to welcome fans from around the world to experience the unique atmosphere of a game day in Ireland,” he said.

These events rank among the highest revenue-generating sports events ever held in Ireland.

Last year’s game saw the largest single movement of US citizens outside the US for an individual sporting event.

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