Over 24,000 International fans are set to arrive in Ireland this week to witness the highly anticipated clash between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin.
The game, which marks the official start of the 2025 US College Football season, also known as Week Zero, will kick off at 5 pm on Saturday, August 23, in Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
Fans still have a chance to be part of one of football’s most famous rivalries, known as ‘Farmageddon,' for what's sure to be a pulsating game.
Spectators attending the game are encouraged to be in their seats by 4:15 pm to enjoy the full pre-game spectacle and atmosphere that the teams and organisers will bring to the Aviva Stadium.
A new addition to this year’s event will see the debut of ‘Celtic The Brave’, the official mascot of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. A full schedule of events can be found on the Official Game Week App.
Making his debut this year, ‘Celtic The Brave’ looks on at the Waterford crafted Aer Lingus College Classic Trophy.
The highly anticipated Aer Lingus College Football Classic will take place against a backdrop of a week-long celebration of transatlantic connections, encompassing business, cultural, political, and community events.
Activities and events unfolded across Dublin beginning on Wednesday, offering a unique and diverse range of entertainment for visiting fans and locals alike.
Title sponsor of the college football game, Aer Lingus has flown both the Kansas State University and Iowa State University teams, their coaching staff, and delegations to Dublin on specially chartered flights this week.
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Both teams traveled with 125 members of their cheer squads and bands, adding to the celebratory atmosphere in Dublin this week.
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The excitement extends beyond the Aviva Stadium. Key events for fans include the high-energy Pep Rallies for both universities on Friday, as well as tailgating events, brought to you by Guinness and Teeling Whiskey, at iconic Dublin pubs such as The Old Store House and Dame Tavern, to name a few.
Meanwhile, the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) high school games take place in Energia Park on Friday, August 22. This year's GIFT will feature a compelling double-header: New Jersey’s The Hun School will face the NFL Academy UK, followed by a match-up between Pennsylvania’s The Kiski School and the U19 Irish Wolfhounds.
The week will also feature numerous events designed to strengthen Irish-US ties, including agricultural and political events and meetups, as well as high-level business networking functions and academic symposiums.
This year’s game is projected to generate over €130 million for the local Irish economy, driven primarily by the travelling US visitors expected to attend the game. Combined with the previous three games already hosted in Ireland, delivering an economic boost of €382m as per the Grant Thornton Economic Impact Reports, these initial four games in the series are now set to contribute over €512m.
Dublin’s streets are packed as travelling fans march toward the Aviva on Game Day.
“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 that this event generates is truly remarkable, and we are delighted to welcome fans from all over the world to experience the unique atmosphere of a game day in Ireland."
The Aviva Stadium comes alive as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic prepares for Kick-Off
Below is a highlight of some of the key events taking place in the run-up to Game Day:
Friday, August 22:
- All day: The Ultimate Irish Experience at Kildare Village
- 3:30 pm: G.IFT Game: The Hun School (NJ) vs. NFL Academy UK, Energia Park
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Nat Coombs Show Meet & Greet, Teeling Whiskey
- 7:00 PM: G.I.F.T. Game: The Kiski School (PA) vs. U19 Irish Wolfhounds, Energia Park
- 7:00 PM: Football Bromance – Meet and Greet, JR Mahons
- Pep Rallies: Kansas State University Pep Rally; Iowa State University Pep Rally
Saturday, August 23:
- 12 pm: Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh
- 2:30 pm: Hospitality Gates Open, Aviva Stadium
- 3 pm: Premium gates open, Aviva Stadium
- 3:15 pm: University Bands March to the stadium
- 3:30 pm: General Admission Gates Open, Aviva Stadium
- 5 pm: KICK-OFF: Kansas State vs. Iowa State, Aviva Stadium
Sunday, August 24
- All Day: Kildare Village, The Ultimate Irish Experience
- All Day: Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh
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