The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has consistently contributed to Ireland’s economy. According to Grant Thornton’s Post-Game Economic Impact Reports, last year’s Navy vs. Notre Dame game generated a record €180 million for the local economy.
This €180 million impact is based on comprehensive data and analysis, representing a solid and conservative estimate. In reality, the true value of the 2023 Aer Lingus College Football Classic likely surpasses this figure.
Combined with the estimated €53.5 million impact of the 2022 Classic between the University of Nebraska and Northwestern University, and a projected economic impact in excess of €115 million for this year’s game, the first three games in this initial five-game series are set to contribute over €350 million in total.
This underscores the Aer Lingus College Football Classic’s Steering Committee’s crucial role in enhancing tourism, supporting the local economy, and fostering international business connections, primarily driven by the influx of US visitors to the games, who will fill hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
The events mark some of the highest revenue-generating sporting events ever held in Ireland, with last year’s game witnessing the largest-ever single movement of US citizens outside of the US for an individual sporting event.
This clash is #MuchMoreThanAGame, with events taking place across the city, including pep rallies in Smithfield Square and Merrion Square, tailgating pubs brought to you by Budweiser all week, live radio and podcast broadcasts and events from top American football presenters in pubs and whiskey distilleries in Dublin.
Other activities lined up include the high school based Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT), being held at Donnybrook Stadium, as well as Irish shopping experiences, Irish music and dance experiences throughout the city.
A variety of community, business, academic, medical, and sporting events are scheduled across Dublin throughout the week. Among these is the Ireland-US CEO Club, a prestigious gathering expected to draw up to 400 CEOs from Ireland and the United States at the Round Room of the Mansion House on Friday.
This year’s game is anticipated to attract a global audience, with over 3.5 million viewers expected to tune in across the US via ESPN. For the first time, ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will broadcast live from Dame Street in Dublin City Centre, marking the show’s first broadcast outside the US.
TG4 has announced that it will broadcast the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, making it the first time the match will be shown live on free-to-air television in Ireland. Meanwhile, Sky Sports will provide coverage of the game in the UK.
“This game has become a significant part of the Irish sporting calendar,” said Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. “It also strengthens the deep and valuable relationship between the US and Ireland. I am pleased that we are supporting the game through Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as it offers first-time visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore our island and inspires them to return in the future.”
Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, added, “This event showcases Ireland’s ability to host major international sports events. By hosting these events, we can increase participation in sports and create a lasting legacy. This series also brings benefits in trade, tourism, business, community engagement, and the economy, firmly establishing Ireland as the European home for American football.”
“We are thrilled to once again showcase the very best of college football here in Dublin,” said Padraic O’Kane, Director and Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. “The passion and excitement this event generates are truly remarkable, and we are delighted to welcome fans from around the world to experience the unique atmosphere of game day in Ireland.”
David Shanahan, hailing from County Kerry, is suiting up for Georgia Tech, sparking even greater excitement among Irish fans. All roads lead to the Aviva Stadium this month as we gear up for a spectacular lineup of events.
Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “At Aer Lingus, we take immense pride in our role of connecting people, places, and possibilities.
“The Aer Lingus College Football Classic presents a unique opportunity to bring the thrill of College Football to Ireland while showcasing our brand and country to a global audience of millions.
“We’re delighted that over 25,000 fans will be traveling from the U.S. to Dublin for this special sporting celebration.
“It’s our pleasure to say ‘you’re very welcome’ to the teams from Georgia Tech and Florida State, along with their supporters, as they journey to Ireland with Aer Lingus.”