Irish economy set for multimillion-pound boost from US College Football opener - thousands expected to travel across the island of Ireland
The Aviva Stadium will host the opening game of the US College Football season (image credit: Pixabay)
The Irish economy is set to receive a multimillion-pound boost from the opening game of the college American football season, which takes place at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
Kansas State University's 'Wildcats' and Iowa State University's 'Cyclones' will play in the opening fixture of the 2025 US College Football season.
More than 24,000 international visitors – including up to 22,00 Americans – are expected to travel to Ireland for the game. They are expected to spend an average of seven nights travelling right across the island of Ireland – generating an estimated €130m for the economy, according to Grant Thornton.
Tourism Ireland in the US has been working to leverage the tourism potential of this weekend's game – using the high-profile sporting event to position the island of Ireland front and centre for millions of potential US holidaymakers.
The game will be broadcast live to about 4.5 million viewers across the US on ESPN and Tourism Ireland has partnered with the broadcaster to highlight Ireland to this audience.
Activity will include video segments spotlighting Ireland's scenery and experiences; a joint welcome message from Tourism Ireland and Aer Lingus; and on-screen callouts encouraging viewers to begin planning their visit on Tourism Ireland's website, Ireland.com.
Alice Mansergh, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: "The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on Ireland in one of our most important markets. We are delighted to welcome both teams and the thousands of fans who have travelled here for this weekend's opening fixture of the 2025 US College Football season. The game is expected to deliver a significant economic boost of at least €130m.
"We know from previous College Football events in Dublin that American fans typically stay seven nights on average and tour extensively around our regions, contributing substantially to local tourism businesses right across the island. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN and seen by an estimated 4.5 million people across the US – providing a fantastic opportunity to highlight Ireland as a wonderful holiday destination, as well as a top location to host large-scale international sporting events."
Over the past year, Tourism Ireland has also been working closely with Anthony Travel, the official travel company for both colleges, and other travel partners. The extensive programme of promotions has included advertising with the schools and alumni associations on radio, print, digital and social channels, as well as influencer activity.