US college football game in Dublin expected to generate €130m for Irish economy

A jet flies above the Aviva Stadium ahead of last year’s Aer Lingus College Classic American Football game

This month’s American college football match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin will generate over €130m for the Irish economy, according to Grand Thornton’s Post Game Economic Report.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic game between Kansas and Iowa State University will be held on Saturday, August 23, and has been described as the most competitive to take place on Irish soil. It is expecting to bring in 24,000 international visitors, mostly from the US.

Grant Thornton’s figures show three previous games held in Ireland brought €382m into the economy.

The 2025 game will bring that figure up to €512m, it said.

The game – which is expecting to attract viewership figures of 4.5 million when broadcast live on ESPN – is described as a high-profile opportunity to promote Irish culture by the Government.

Tourism Minister Peter Burke said it will boost Ireland’s tourism profile.

“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,” he said.

This series also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic benefits

A week-long run of business and political events are scheduled to take place, including an Irish-US CEO Club, where up to 450 senior executives will attend.

In previous years, golf resorts around the country were among the big winners, as groups of visiting fans opted to extend their stays well beyond the day of the game.

The match and the associated events are being supported by Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of a strategy to leverage international sporting events.

“The series has strongly positioned Ireland as a key overseas home for American football in Europe. Importantly, this series also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic benefits,” junior culture minister Charlie McConalogue said.

The title sponsor, Aer Lingus, says it is a valuable opportunity to increase transatlantic relations.

“The classic is a special event that celebrates sport, tradition, and transatlantic connection. We’re proud to play a role in making these moments possible – connecting people, places, and possibilities through the power of sport,” Aer Lingus chief customer officer Susanne Carberry said.

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