The Aer Lingus College Football Classic Generates €180 Million Boost for Irish Economy

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic continues to make a significant impact on the Irish economy, with last year’s event between Notre Dame and Navy generating a whopping €180 million boost. The recently published Post-Game Economic Impact Report by Grant Thornton highlights the importance of international sporting events in driving tourism, boosting the local economy, and fostering business connections.

The sold-out game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin attracted over 49,000 attendees, with a majority of them coming from the US. The event marked one of the highest revenue-generating sporting events in Ireland and witnessed the largest-ever single movement of U.S. citizens outside of the U.S. for a sporting event.

The economic impact assessment by Grant Thornton considered factors such as travel packages, accommodation expenses, and daily spending, providing a comprehensive view of the event’s value. The event also hosted the prestigious Ireland US CEO Club, bringing together over 450 CEOs from leading companies on both sides of the Atlantic.

The broadcast of the game on NBC in the US and Sky Sports in Ireland and the UK further enhanced Ireland’s global visibility as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne praised the event for its economic and sporting significance, highlighting Dublin’s suitability as a host city for American football.

With the upcoming 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic featuring Georgia Tech and Florida State University, the momentum continues to build. The enduring appeal of American college football on an international stage is evident, with tickets for the 2024 game already 94% sold out.

The success of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series solidifies Dublin and Ireland as the global location of choice for the opening game of the College Football Season. The event’s stakeholders have successfully transformed the ambition of hosting a major international sporting and tourism event series into a reality, driving significant economic benefits for Ireland.