Dublin, 22nd August 2024 – The excitement is palpable in Dublin this week as Aer Lingus proudly welcomes the teams from Georgia Institute of Technology and Florida State University, along with their delegations, cheerleaders, marching bands and the thousands of fans as they started to touch down in Dublin this morning ahead of the highly anticipated Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
This year’s showdown, set for 24th August at the iconic Aviva Stadium, will see Georgia Tech face off against Florida State, marking the kick-off of the 2024 US college football season.
As the title sponsor, Aer Lingus is thrilled to play a pivotal role in bringing this spectacular event to life, connecting fans from around the globe and showcasing Ireland’s famed hospitality. With over 47,000 tickets sold – to include over 25,000 American fans crossing the Atlantic – this year’s game is officially a sell-out, mirroring the incredible success of previous years.
A Massive Logistical Undertaking
Behind the scenes, Aer Lingus is pulling out all the stops to ensure the seamless arrival and departure of the teams, management, and support staff. The airline will operate four special charter flights—two inbound and two outbound—using its largest aircraft, the Airbus A330-300, each with a capacity of 317 seats. In total, 1,122 passengers, including players, coaches, and backroom staff, will be flown to and from Dublin for this monumental event.
The logistics are no small feat, involving 49 crew members, including both cockpit and cabin crew, who will manage not only the charter flights but also specialised Aer Lingus ground handling staff to assist with the check-in, boarding and loading of aircraft.
Pic:Naoise Culhane-no fee
Additionally, the airline will handle a staggering 1,720 pieces of luggage, including 600 kit bags, and manage 16,000 kilograms (16 tons) of essential cargo, such as training equipment and protein drinks, ensuring that both teams are fully equipped for the big day.
Boosting Ireland’s Economy and Global Profile
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is more than just a game; it’s a significant economic driver for Ireland. With an expected economic impact of €115 million this year alone, the event is set to inject substantial revenue into the local economy. Combined with the contributions from the previous two games, the series is projected to generate over €500 million by the conclusion of the current five-game series.
The lead-up to the game will see Dublin transformed into a festival of American football, with a host of exciting events including pep rallies, tailgating parties, live broadcasts, and cultural experiences that capture the spirit of the sport. Fans can immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere and enjoy a taste of both Irish and American traditions.
Adding a local connection, County Kerry’s David Shanahan, a key player for Georgia Tech, will be suiting up for the big game, further fuelling the enthusiasm of Irish fans.
Global Reach and Broadcast Milestones
This year’s game is also poised to captivate a global audience, with over 3.5 million viewers expected to tune in across the US on ESPN, including live coverage on ESPN College GameDay, broadcasting from Dublin’s Dame Street—a first for the prestigious show outside the US. Irish viewers can catch all the action live on TG4, marking the first time the event is available on free-to-air TV in Ireland, with Sky Sports covering the game in the UK.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Aer Lingus College Football Classic back to Dublin,” said Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus. “This event not only allows us to showcase our brand but also to demonstrate the warmth and hospitality of Ireland to a global audience. We’re thrilled to welcome over 25,000 fans from the US and say, ‘you’re very welcome’ as they embark on this unique sporting adventure with Aer Lingus.”
As the countdown to game day continues, Aviva Stadium is the place to be this weekend. Whether you’re a die-hard college football fan or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere, this event promises to be unforgettable.
For more information, visit www.aerlingus.com
