A Touchdown for Irish Tourism: Aer Lingus College Football Classic Sets New Viewership Records

The recent Aer Lingus College Football Classic held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, saw Georgia Tech defeat Florida State University, but the real victors were the Irish economy and the growing global appeal of the event. With record-breaking viewership and a significant economic impact, the game underscored Ireland's increasing reputation as a prime destination for international sporting events.

A Winning Formula: Record Viewership and Economic Impact

The Georgia Tech versus Florida State University match, broadcast live on ESPN in the United States, attracted a staggering five million viewers. This monumental achievement marks ESPN's highest Week Zero audience since 2019 and sets a new record for a College Football game held in Ireland on any network.

Beyond the game itself, ESPN's College GameDay Built by The Home Depot, broadcasting live from Dame Street in Dublin, garnered an impressive 1.6 million viewers and 2.0 million viewers in the final hour, further underscoring the event's popularity. This represents a 41% increase over the previous most-watched Week 0 show in 2022.

A Packed House: 47,988 Fans Celebrate College Football in Dublin

The Aviva Stadium was a sell-out, with 47,988 fans in attendance, including 28,406 international visitors. Among these, 25,909 were US visitors who stayed in Ireland for an average of seven nights, significantly boosting the local economy. An additional 2,497 visitors from 25 other countries further highlighted the event's global appeal.

Beyond the Gridiron: The 'Much More Than A Game' Initiative

The festivities surrounding the game extended beyond the football field, with 45 business, academic, political, community, social and sporting events taking place throughout the week as part of the ‘Much More Than A Game’ initiative. This comprehensive approach fostered strong international ties and generated a substantial economic impact.

A Big Win for the Irish Economy: €115 Million in Direct Economic Benefit

A preliminary report by Grant Thornton estimates that the direct economic benefit to Ireland from this year's event surpasses €115 million. The report highlights the diverse range of economic activities generated by the event, from hospitality and tourism to retail and transportation.

Padraic O’Kane, the driving force and co-founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, emphasized the event's broad economic reach. “Academic and business figures are involved in events on the periphery of the game. There have also been meetings between Irish and US legislators. The economy of Dublin and Ireland benefits greatly from this event. It is not just a Dublin event. The visitors from the US for the game stay all over the country,” he explained.

Looking Ahead: 'Farmageddon' Promises More Success in 2025

The 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State, dubbed ‘Farmageddon’, is scheduled for August 23, 2025. With the success of this year's event, expectations are high for another exceptional weekend of sport in Dublin. The event is poised to continue boosting Ireland's reputation as a global sporting destination and further stimulate the Irish economy.

More Than Just a Game: A Celebration of Culture and Community

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of culture and community. It brings together people from all walks of life to share in the excitement of college football while experiencing the hospitality and warmth of Ireland. The event has become a cultural touchstone, fostering lasting friendships and showcasing Ireland's vibrant culture to a global audience. As the event continues to grow in popularity, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on Irish sports and tourism.