College Football Classic Boosts Dublin’s Economy, Draws 40,000 Fans
Dublin, the vibrant capital city of Ireland, is all set to host the annual College Football Classic that is expected to attract a whopping 40,000 traveling fans this weekend. The game, scheduled between the legendary Notre Dame and Navy Football teams, is estimated to inject an impressive €147 million into the local economy.
Kickstarting the 2023 College Football season, the highly anticipated game will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. While tickets for this year’s clash have already sold out, there are still plenty of exciting events and activities for fans to participate in across the city.
One such event is the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT), a tripleheader of games at Energia Park in Donnybrook on Friday. This tournament will feature four esteemed US high school squads from Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, adding to the buzz and excitement surrounding the weekend.
In addition to the football games, an array of events ranging from pep rallies and medical summits to business, sporting, networking, and academic events are planned throughout Dublin during the week. Fans can easily stay in the loop and plan their activities by using the official Game Week App, which provides a comprehensive schedule of events and an interactive map of the city.
To further enhance the fan experience, Dublin’s Dame Street will be temporarily renamed Notre Dame Street for the weekend. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8pm on Friday to 10pm on Saturday, creating the perfect atmosphere for Notre Dame tailgating and other game-related activities.
Getting to the Aviva Stadium from the city center is a breeze, as it is conveniently within walking distance. However, for added convenience, there will be enhanced Dart, Dublin Bus, and Taxi services before and after the game from surrounding areas to central Dublin. The RDS is also designated as the official game location for private car, bus, and mini-bus parking.
Expressing his excitement for the event, Padraic O’Kane, Director and Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, acknowledged the support of Dublin City Council, An Garda SÃochána (the Irish national police force), the National Transport Authority, and other game stakeholders. Their collaborative efforts have ensured the necessary resources and plans are in place to deliver a positive experience for all attendees.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Daithà de Róiste, considers the College Football Classic as an opportunity to showcase the city’s charm and hospitality. With a plethora of events taking place across the capital, it truly highlights Dublin as a home away from home for US College Football enthusiasts.
As the excitement builds and the city gears up for this thrilling showdown, Dublin is ready to bring fans an unforgettable experience both on and off the field. From the economic boost to the vibrant atmosphere, the College Football Classic promises to leave a lasting impression on Dublin and its visitors.
