Ireland and America’s shared love of sport was on full display in Dublin last weekend as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic sold out Aviva Stadium for the third year in a row. The 2025 clash between Kansas State University’s Wildcats and Iowa State University’s Cyclones drew more than 47,000 fans to the heart of Dublin and delivered a direct economic impact of over €130 million, according to Grant Thornton.
The game, broadcast live on ESPN, reached millions more back in the US, peaking at 4.7 million viewers. It was the most-watched college football “Week Zero” game of the season and the second-most watched sports broadcast of the entire weekend.
“This year’s sold-out stadium and strong viewership figures highlight the growing global appeal and further cement Dublin as the European home of college football,” said Padraic O’Kane, Co-Founder of the Classic.
“The Classic is truly much more than a game and we saw this across game week as the spirit and passion of college football took over not only Dublin but the Island of Ireland.”
Aer Lingus College Football Classic mascot Celtic The Brave.
Cyclones edge Wildcats in a thriller
Fans were treated to a dramatic finish, as Iowa State secured a 24–21 victory over Kansas State. Quarterback Rocco Becht earned the Aer Lingus Player of the Match award for his gutsy performance.
Though thousands of miles from the US Midwest, the Aviva atmosphere was electric.
“What we witnessed was the essence of sport through two sets of clashing fans delivering a once in a lifetime atmosphere inside The Aviva Stadium,” O’Kane said.
Irish welcome
What makes the Classic special is the mix of sport and culture. Of the nearly 26,000 international visitors who traveled for the game, more than 22,900 were from the United States, many staying for an average of seven nights. They explored not only Dublin but also their ancestral counties, creating a homecoming of sorts for many Irish Americans.
For countless fans, the trip was about more than football, it was about connecting with heritage. From tracing family roots in Mayo or Kerry to enjoying pints in Dublin’s pubs, the experience married Irish tradition with the excitement of college football.
On Location, the US travel partner, curated packages that paired game tickets with guided tours, regional excursions, and cultural events. Demand is growing: sales of three to seven day packages increased by 12% compared to last year.
“The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is such a highly anticipated kick-off of the college football season,” said John Anthony, Co-Founder of the Classic and Executive VP of On Location.
“Our guests witnessed a highly competitive matchup and thoroughly enjoyed the unmatched charm and wonder of Ireland.”
Beyond the stadium, more than 40 events unfolded across the week as part of the “Much More Than a Game” initiative. These included business, political, and cultural gatherings that strengthened transatlantic ties.
Adding to the festivities was the debut of “Celtic the Brave,” the Classic’s new mascot, which quickly became a favorite with Irish and American fans alike.
Dublin’s growing reputation
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is organized by Irish American Events Ltd, a joint venture between Ireland’s Corporate.ie and U.S.-based On Location. With support from Aer Lingus, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Dublin City Council, the series has firmly embedded college football into Ireland’s sporting calendar.
Since 2012, the games have introduced tens of thousands of American fans to Ireland’s hospitality, and many return home as unofficial ambassadors for the country. For Dublin, the Classic has become a signature event, boosting tourism, filling hotels, and showcasing Ireland on American television screens.
The buzz is already building for next year’s game. On August 29, 2026, Texas Christian University (TCU) will face the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Aviva Stadium. Excitement is heightened by UNC’s head coach, eight-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick, who once drafted Tom Brady and coached Rob Gronkowski.
Anthony summed it up: “It is a truly unique experience, and we are already looking forward to next season’s clash between TCU and UNC.”
For Ireland, the Classic is about more than just football—it’s about deepening the Irish-American connection. With three consecutive sellouts, millions of U.S. viewers, and record tourism numbers, the benefits are clear.
As O’Kane put it, “The immediate and long-term economic benefits to Ireland are significant, and we are excited to build on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Check out the highlights of the game here:
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