It may come as a shock to many, but American College Football is coming to Dublin on August 29th. 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!
Overview of the Game
The Arthaus is just half a mile approx walking distance from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A short trip around the cathedral grounds before entering the cathedral for Choral evensong, or a tour is a very wholesome tourist activity to do during your stay.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Waltz around the beautiful stained-glass windows, each telling a story. Read these windows from bottom to top, rather than left to right! A visit will take you back to the medieval street exterior of Dublin city.
Staying at the Arthaus allows you to be in the heart of Dublin 2, close to St Stephen’s green, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street. Book your stay today.
After an exciting game day, nothing beats returning to a Superior Room to relax and recharge for the next adventure.
About 2026’s Game
The Venue
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 Teams
The 2026 edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic welcomes TCU Horned Frogs and North Carolina Tar Heels. The chances are you know much about each team, but let’s have a look!
TCU Horned Frogs
- College Name: Texas Christian University
- Location: Fort Worth
- Head Coach: Sonny Dykes
- Stadium: Amon G. Carter Stadium
Sonny Dykes the head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs for the 2026 season. As of February 2026, TCU is in negotiations to extend his contract, which currently runs through 2028. Dykes has led the team since late 2021, including a 2022 national championship appearance and a 9-4 record in 2024.
North Carolina Tar Heels
- College Name: University of North Carolina
- Location: Chapel
- Head Coach: Bill Belichick
- Stadium: Gillette Stadium
England Patriots and two as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. Belichick drafted and crafted superstars such as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026
A major announcement has come, confirming the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026 will see TCU Horned Frogs vs North Carolina Tar Heels
Bill Belichick
Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) will open the 2026 college football season in Dublin, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The game will be held on August 29th, 2026, at the Aviva Stadium.
TCU, from Fort Worth, Texas will serve as the home team in Dublin against UNC who have recently appointed Bill Belichick as head football coach. Belichick is considered by many as the greatest coach in all of professional sports as he has won an NFL- record eight Super Bowls – six as a head coach for the New England Patriots and two as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. Belichick drafted and crafted superstars such as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic will be just the fifth time TCU and North Carolina football teams compete against each other dating back to 1940 and the first time for both teams to have played football internationally.
Stay at the Arthaus Hotel
Take the stress out of travelling and stay just seconds from Dublin’s most well-known bars & restaurants and city attractions. 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.
Stay two nights at the Arthaus Hotel and get 10% off per night.
The Wrap Up
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.
For fans returning in winter, be sure to experience Dublin’s Christmas markets – a different kind of big event that fills the city with cheer during the holidays.