Americans are having such a good time ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic that most haven’t even noticed Irish people don’t really care about American football.
That’s according to John Antony, the co-founder of the series bringing American football teams to Ireland to kick off the College season.
This year, Florida State University’s Seminoles will take on Georgia Tech with kick-off at 5pm at the Aviva Stadium.
Ahead of the big game, Dublin has become a hub for American sports featuring pep rallies for each team and ‘tailgate parties’ in the city.
Mr Antony told The Anton Savage Show many Americans don’t realise that American football “doesn’t get much of a look in”.
“The American fan doesn’t realise that,” he said. “They’re just so excited to be here, they’re having a blast.
“They’ve been around the country – they’ve been in Killarney and Belfast and Galway and everywhere.
“Now they’ve come into Dublin two days ago and they’ve been out in all the pubs [and] they’re having a blast.
“The American fan, they won’t know it’s a minority as much as they’re just having a great experience.”
Florida State cheerleaders during a pep rally at Smithfield Square in Dublin, ahead of the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Image: Sam Barnes/SportsfileMany Americans would only be coming to Ireland to watch the football before exploring more of the country, according to Mr Antony.
“It is very common for me to meet somebody randomly here for the game, say a couple on the older side,” he said.
“Not to be stereotypical here, but the 75-year-old woman will say to me, ‘Thank you for doing this – I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland and go to Europe, but he would never go’.
“It’s glorious – this is going to be a fantastic day.”
A general view of Aviva Stadium in Dublin ahead of the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic match between Florida State and Georgia Tech this Saturday. Image: Sam Barnes/SportsfileIrish-based American football player Ty Henry told the show it looks like Florida will take an easy victory this evening against Georgia.
“They had an undefeated season last year before the playoffs,” he said. “And they got snubbed at the playoffs last year.
“They would be the major favourites – but Georgia Tech is kind of a plucky middle of the table team that could give them some issues.
“If you’re a betting man, you’d say Florida State.”
Georgia Tech cheerleaders performing at the Georgia Tech Helluva Block Party Pep Rally in Merrion Square.Over 47,000 tickets were sold for the game tonight, with 25,000 Americans travelling to Ireland to watch.
The visit is expected to generate over €115 million for the Irish economy.
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