Aer Lingus College Football Classic
Luke McLeod | Last Updated 13 August 2024 | 4 Minute Read
What you need to know about the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin 2024
It may come as a shock to many, but American College Football is coming to Dublin on August 24th. We've got the ultimate guide for what you need to know before the show!
This All-American Football Experience comes to the Aviva Stadium in august with the backing of Failte Ireland and Aer Lingus. In a tradition that started in 1988, two powerhouses of the sport are coming to content the Emerald Isle Classic.
Travelling to Dublin for the the College Football Bowl? Find a hotel near Aviva Stadium Dublin for your stay now!
The sell out game will welcome 47,000 people to the stadium, but it is much more than a game. With pep rallies, tailgating and even podcasts set to take place in the lead up to this annual event.
There is a huge boost to attendees, ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will broadcast directly from Dame Street in Dublin City centre. This is the first time we have seen this broadcast come from anywhere other than the states!
Now for game day itself, Dublin is a big travel destination, and it will welcome 27,000 overseas visitors. While many will be here for the American Football event, there is a lot more to do in Dublin. While staying at the Arthaus, you're just moments away from some of the much loved attractions of the city. You can find Galleries, Theatres and Shopping all within minutes from the front door.
When you arrive at the Aviva stadium Dublin, it is important to note that it will be very busy in the area. We advise arriving early to avoid the crowds, and to get in and soak up the atmosphere. All bags will be subject to search, and stadium management have banned a number of objects. You can find out about the ground rules in the stadium FAQs.
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic will kick off at 5pm. This annual football event will take roughly four hours. There are food kiosks along with beverage outlets in the concourse of the stadium. However, take note that the Aviva is a cashless stadium, you can use bank cards and contactless payments here.
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The stadium is a 49,000 seater in the centre of Sandymount. Originally built in 1872, it has had many different lives and looks. It was officially reopened as the Aviva Stadium in 2010 after a major remodelling.
The Aviva Stadium is the home to Irish Rugby and Soccer. Both stadium and surrounds are well capable of dealing with large crowds. Lansdowne Dart Station is located within the stadium grounds and will bring you to the city centre in just 10 minutes. You can get the Dublin Bus from two locations along with the Luas, which is around a 2km walk away.
The 2025 edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic welcomes K-State and Iowa State. The chances are you know much about each team, but let's have a look!
This occassion marks the K-State's second ever game outside the United States, and their first was all the way back in 1992.
Iowa State have never played a game outside of the US, and this game will be the first ever Big 12 match played in Ireland. However, this is also the first-ever meeting between the longtime rivals in a season-opener.
Take the stress out of travelling and stay in Dublin’s Shopping District, just seconds form one of Ireland’s most well-known parks.
Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of our boutique rooms in the heart of Dublin. Inspired by the best of the Bauhaus Art Movement our stylish and creative rooms are the perfect touch of luxury to begin your Dublin journey.
Our artwork in the Boutique rooms features works inspired by the Bauhaus teacher Wassily Kandinsky, often hailed as the pioneer of abstract art. In his own words, ‘’Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.
Stay two nights at the Arthaus Hotel and get €20 off per night.
Currently, there is nothing scheduled for College Football in Ireland 2026, although Pitt & Wisconsin had been talked about, this will now take place on August 28th, 2027. The last time Pittsburgh played outside of the US was back in 1989, when they defeated Rutgers in Dublin by a scoreline of 46-29.
There are future matches planned, including Iowa State vs Kansas state on 24 August 2025. This will be the 10th College Football Game to take place in Ireland. In 2027, Aer Lingus American Football Classic will involve Pittsburgh and Wisconsin.
Without the generous support of title sponsor Aer Lingus, Tourism Ireland, Dublin City Council and the Government the College Football Classic couldn't take place. For additional information about the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, you can discover their website.
Meet our passionate and seasoned Travel and Culture Editor, Luke McLeod. With an insatiable wanderlust and an unquenchable thirst for cultural exploration, Luke is your trusted guide to unlocking the soul of Ireland.
With years of experience in the realms of travel and culture journalism, Luke has made it their mission to hand-pick the most captivating and authentic experiences that the Emerald Isle has to offer.
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