It may come as a shock to many, but American College Football is coming to Dublin on August 24th. We’ve got the ultimate guide for what you need to know before the show!
This All-American Football Experience comes to the Aviva Stadium in august with the backing of Failte Ireland and Aer Lingus. In a tradition that started in 1988, two powerhouses of the sport are coming to content the Emerald Isle Classic.
Travelling to Dublin for the the College Football Bowl? Find a hotel near Aviva Stadium Dublin for your stay now!
Overview of the Game
The Arthaus is just half a mile approx walking distance from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A short trip around the cathedral grounds before entering the cathedral for Choral evensong, or a tour is a very wholesome tourist activity to do during your stay.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Waltz around the beautiful stained-glass windows, each telling a story. Read these windows from bottom to top, rather than left to right! A visit will take you back to the medieval street exterior of Dublin city.
Staying at the Arthaus allows you to be in the heart of Dublin 2, close to St Stephen’s green, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street. Book your stay today.
About 2025’s Game
The Venue
The stadium is a 49,000 seater in the centre of Sandymount. Originally built in 1872, it has had many different lives and looks. It was officially reopened as the Aviva Stadium in 2010 after a major remodelling.
The Aviva Stadium is the home to Irish Rugby and Soccer. Both stadium and surrounds are well capable of dealing with large crowds. Lansdowne Dart Station is located within the stadium grounds and will bring you to the city centre in just 10 minutes. You can get the Dublin Bus from two locations along with the Luas, which is around a 2km walk away.
The Teams
The 2025 edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic welcomes K-State and Iowa State. The chances are you know much about each team, but let’s have a look!
K-State
- College Name: Kansis State University
- Location: Manhattan, Kansas
- Head Coach: Chris Klieman
- Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium
This occasion marks the K-State’s second ever game outside the United States, and their first was all the way back in 1992.
Iowa State
- College Name: Iowa State University
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- Head Coach: Matt Campbell
- Mascot: Cy the Cardinal
- Stadium: Jack Trice Stadium
Iowa State have never played a game outside of the US, and this game will be the first ever Big 12 match played in Ireland. However, this is also the first-ever meeting between the longtime rivals in a season-opener.
Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026
A major announcement has come, confirming the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026 will see Texas face North Carolina.
Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick’s North Carolina side are set to face off against the Texas Christian University on August 29th at the Aviva Stadium. The Tar Heels are set to be the away team, but it’s expected to be a hugely supported game from both sides.
Bill Belichick is the most decorated NFL coach in history, winning an impressive 8 superbowl titles as coach. This spectacle is one not to be missed in Dublin.
Although Pitt & Wisconsin had been rumoured to be the 2026 game, this will now take place on August 28th, 2027. The last time Pittsburgh played outside of the US was back in 1989, when they defeated Rutgers in Dublin by a scoreline of 46-29.
Stay at the Arthaus Hotel
Take the stress out of travelling and stay just seconds from Dublin’s most well-known bars & restaurants and city attractions. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of our boutique rooms in the heart of Dublin. Inspired by the best of the Bauhaus Art Movement our stylish and creative rooms are the perfect touch of luxury to begin your Dublin journey.
Stay two nights at the Arthaus Hotel and get 10% off per night.
The Wrap Up
There are future matches planned, including Iowa State vs Kansas state on 24 August 2025. This will be the 10th College Football Game to take place in Ireland. In 2027, Aer Lingus American Football Classic will involve Pittsburgh and Wisconsin.
Without the generous support of title sponsor Aer Lingus, Tourism Ireland, Dublin City Council and the Government the College Football Classic couldn’t take place. For additional information about the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, you can discover their website.