Dublin’s hosting of the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Georgia Tech and Florida State University, will attract 27,000 international fans and generating an estimated €115m for the economy.
Last year’s game between Navy and Notre Dame contributed €180m to the Irish economy, with the first three games in the series projected to bring in over €350m in total
The event supports tourism, local economy, and international business connections, with a full schedule of activities planned across the city, including pep rallies, tailgating pubs, live broadcasts, and the Global Ireland Football Tournament
The game will draw a global audience, with over 3.5m viewers tuning in across the US on ESPN, and will be broadcast on TG4 and Sky Sports in Ireland and the UK respectively, showcasing Ireland’s capacity to host major international sports events
Catherine Martin, the Minister for Tourism said “this game strengthens the incredibly deep and valuable relationship between the US and Ireland. I am pleased we are supporting the game via the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as it gives so many first-time visitors to Ireland a chance to explore our wonderful island and reason to return again in the future.”
Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, said “the game highlights Ireland’s capacity to host major international sports events and, by hosting such events, we can drive participation levels in sport and build a lasting legacy on so many fronts. Importantly, this series also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic benefits and it strongly positions Ireland as a home for American football in Europe.
Padraic O’Kane, Director and Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic said “the passion and excitement that this event generates is truly remarkable, and we are delighted to welcome fans from all over the world to experience the unique atmosphere of a game day in Ireland. Adding to the excitement, the game features a local connection with David Shanahan, a native of County Kerry, suiting up for Georgia Tech. Shanahan’s presence is sure to ignite even greater enthusiasm among Irish fans. It’s all roads leading to the Aviva Stadium this month as we prepare for the fantastic lineup of events.”
Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer, Aer Lingus said “At Aer Lingus, we take great pride in the role we play in connecting people, places, and possibilities. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic offers us a special opportunity to do this as we bring the energy and excitement of College Football to Ireland, while also showcasing our brand and country to a global audience ofms. We are thrilled that over 25,000 fans will travel from the US to Dublin for this unique sporting celebration. We take great pleasure in saying ‘you’re very welcome’ to the teams from Georgia Tech and Florida State, as well as their supporters, as they travel to Ireland with Aer Lingus.”
