Thursday, December 26, 2024

US College Football Classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium: Everything you need to know

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This event also brings the complete American football experience with tailgate parties, a half-time show and much more.

The Aviva also held the 2022 Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska, while last year saw the University of Notre Dame take on Navy.

Georgia Tech will return to Ireland for the second time, after they defeated Boston College in 2016. Florida State University, known as the Seminoles, will play their first game in Ireland.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What time is kick-off?

The game will begin at 5pm.

How to get to the Stadium?

The Aviva Stadium is within walking distance (25 minutes) of the city centre and has good public transport links. The Dart rail link offers a service to and from Lansdowne Road Station which is immediately adjacent to the Aviva.

Kerry native David Shanahan of Georgia Tech (centre), with Aer Lingus cabin crew Amy Fitzpatrick and Alfonso Celentano arriving in Dublin. Pic: Naoise Culhane

The Aviva Stadium is also serviced by several bus routes including the 4, 7, and 7a, and Dublin Bus will provide an enhanced bus service for these routes from the city centre.

For those coming from abroad to see the game, it’s advised to purchase a Leap Card or return ticket in advance to avoid delays on public transport.

Are there any tickets left?

No. The game is now sold out.

How do I pay for food and drink at the event?

The Aviva Stadium is cashless across all bars and food outlets for this and all future matches. This means there will be no cash accepted but all bank cards, Apple, Android and Google Pay are accepted.

This change will mean faster service, shorter queue times, faster transaction time and means the staff won’t be handling cash.

Can I bring a bag?

No bags (with the exception of small handbags, no bigger than A4) will be allowed into the stadium. Handbags will be subject to search.

Will there be road closures?

Bath Avenue, Londonbridge Road, Lansdowne Road from Herbert Bridge to Shelbourne Road, and Lansdowne Park will be subject to road closures and diversions by An Garda Síochána from 2pm.

Shelbourne Road, Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge Avenue, Beatty’s Avenue, Herbert Road, and Newbridge Avenue will be subject to road closures and diversions by An Garda Síochána from 4.30pm.

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