Making his debut this year, ‘Celtic The Brave’ looks on at the Waterford crafted Aer Lingus College Classic Trophy.

American football has returned to Dublin, with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2025 bringing throngs of US fans to the capital city this week.

Saturday's football game between Kansas State University and Iowa State University will be history-making as the first-ever Big 12 Conference match-up on Irish soil.

Organizers say the fixture is being billed as the most competitive American college football game ever to be played outside of the US; both teams, ranked within the top 25, enter the season with the goal of winning the Big 12 Championship.

The winner of this season opener is predicted to reach the 2025 College Football Playoffs, with the loser facing a difficult uphill task to regroup.

Adding to the drama is Kansas State University and Iowa State University's rivalry, one of the most famous in college football, known as 'Farmageddon.'

Organizers estimate some 24,000 international fans - including 22,000 fans from the US - are in Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2025. Events kicked off in the days leading up to the big game, including 'tailgate' parties at designated Dublin pubs, pep rallies, as well as a homecoming celebration on Thursday.

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.

“We are thrilled to once again showcase the very best of college football here in Dublin," Padraic O’Kane, Director and Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, said ahead of Saturday's game.

“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."

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Who is playing in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2025?

The Kansas State University Wildcats and the Iowa State University Cyclones.

When is the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2025?

The big game is on Saturday, August 23. Kick off is at 5 pm local time.

If you're lucky enough to have tickets for the showdown, here's a timeline for the day to be aware of:

  • 2:30 pm:  Hospitality Gates Open, Aviva Stadium
  • 3:00 pm: Premium gates open, Aviva Stadium
  • 3:15 pm: University Bands March to Aviva Stadium
  • 3:30 pm: General Admission Gates Open, Aviva Stadium

Where is the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2025?

The game is being hosted in Dublin, Ireland's capital city, and will be played at the iconic Aviva Stadium.

How to watch the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2025

The game will be broadcast on ESPN and available to stream on YouTube TV or Fubo.