The Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Kansas State University’s ‘Wildcats’ and Iowa State University’s ‘Cyclones’ will see over 24,000 international fans travel to Dublin for the clash.

The game, billed as the most competitive American College Football game ever to be played outside of the U.S., will see 22,000 Americans among the incoming supporters for the Saturday, 23rd August, 5pm kick-off at the Aviva Stadium.

The match will also be broadcast live on ESPN to an estimated U.S. audience of 4.5 million.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has consistently boosted Ireland’s economy, according to Grant Thornton’s Post Game Economic Impact Reports.

This year’s game is projected to generate over €130m for the local Irish economy, driven primarily by the travelling U.S. visitors expected to attend the game.

The vast majority of these visitors are scheduled to stay an average of seven nights, visiting an average of three destinations throughout the island showcasing the event’s significant tourism draw.

Combined with the previous three games already hosted in Ireland, delivering an economic boost of €382m as per Grant Thornton’s reports, these initial four games in the series are now set to contribute over €512m.

This economic impact underscores the value of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic initiative, enhancing tourism, supporting the local economy, and facilitating the creation of international business and education connections.

“I am thrilled to see the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Ireland again this August with Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland playing key roles in the event’’said Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

“Recent college classic games generated a huge boost for the Irish economy and our tourism sector, and I have no doubt that the K-State V Iowa State event will be another great success. 

“Not only will the event generate significant revenue in August, the extensive coverage of the game in the USA will also put Ireland’s vibrant tourism offering in the shop window for those planning a trip in the future”.

Locals still have the opportunity to secure their place alongside the travelling U.S. and European fans on Ticketmaster for the clash.

Fans can experience the traditional razzmatazz ahead of the game with planned tailgating events and pep rallies, including the famous band march from the RDS to the Aviva Stadium.

This year, both universities are travelling with 125 members each from their band and cheer teams, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

A spectator flyover by an Aer Lingus aircraft is also planned over the Aviva Stadium before the game kicks off.

Entertainment will be on hand across the capital as the clash, billed as #MuchMoreThanAGame, will see a host of events for fans coming to the city.

Drawing on inspiration from College Football tradition, Merrion Square will be home to pep rallies for both teams.

Tailgating pubs for each team, brought to you by Guinness, will be active all week, including The Old Storehouse, Buskers and Ryans of Beggars Bush for K-State fans and Dame Tavern, Stag’s Head and Crowes for Iowa State University fans to name a few.

There will be lots more pubs across the city and near the stadium activated and alive with the spirit of college football – all information is available on the game app.

Other activities include the high school-based Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) at Energia Park and numerous cultural experiences and other sporting activities throughout the city.

Additionally, an exciting schedule of community, political, business and academic events are planned in the week leading up to the game.

One such event is the Ireland-US CEO Club, which is set to attract over 450 Irish and U.S. CEOs to this prestigious event.

“This game has become a key part of the Irish sporting calendar”, said Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture Communications and Sport.

“It confirms Ireland’s capabilities to host world class sporting events and strengthens the incredibly deep and valuable relationship between the U.S. and Ireland.

“Hosting such events helps us to 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.

The series has strongly positioned Ireland as a key overseas home for American football in Europe and I know that all fans especially those supporting Kansas State University and Iowa State University will have a memorable experience in Dublin and further afield.”

Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin said “Dublin City Council is delighted to be a partner of this event for the fourth consecutive year, and we welcome the opportunity for Dublin to host a great sporting occasion like the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

“It allows us to showcase our city as a premier destination for sports, tourism and business.”

Susanne Carberry Chief Customer Officer, Aer Lingus added,“The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a special event that celebrates sport, tradition, and transatlantic connection.”