Friday, August 23, 2024 Aer Lingus is rolling out the red carpet in Dublin this week as it proudly welcomes the teams from Georgia Institute of Technology and Florida State University, along with their spirited delegations, cheerleaders, marching bands, and thousands of enthusiastic fans. The excitement is palpable as they touch down in the Irish capital, gearing up for the highly anticipated Aer Lingus College Football Classic. A Thrilling Start to the 2024 College Football Season Scheduled for August 24th at the iconic Aviva Stadium, this year’s showdown will see Georgia Tech take on Florida State, marking the start of the 2024 U.
S. college football season. As the title sponsor, Aer Lingus is thrilled to play a key role in making this event a reality, connecting fans from around the globe while showcasing Ireland’s famed hospitality.
With more than 47,000 tickets sold—over 25,000 to American fans traveling across the Atlantic—the event is officially a sell-out, continuing the incredible success of previous years. Massive Logistical Operation Behind the scenes, Aer Lingus is executing a substantial logistical operation to ensure the smooth arrival and departure of the teams, their 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 capable of seating 317 passengers.
In total, 1,122 passengers, including players, coaches, and backroom staff, will be flown to and from Dublin for this monumental event. This operation involves 49 crew members, including both cockpit and cabin crew, and specialized Aer Lingus ground handling staff to manage check-in, boarding, and aircraft loading. The airline will also handle a remarkable 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 have everything they need for game day.
Boosting Ireland’s Economy and Celebrating Culture The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is not just a sporting event; it’s a significant economic driver for Ireland. This year’s game is expected to contribute an economic impact of €115 million. Combined with the earnings from previous games, the series is projected to generate over €500 million by the conclusion of the current five-game series.
Dublin will be transformed into a vibrant festival of American football in the days leading up to the game, featuring events such as pep rallies, tailgating parties, live broadcasts, and cultural experiences that celebrate the unique blend of American and Irish traditions. Fans will have the chance to immerse themselves in this electric atmosphere and enjoy the best of both cultures. Adding to the excitement, Georgia Tech’s David Shanahan, hailing from County Kerry, will take to the field, providing a local connection that further fuels the enthusiasm of Irish fans.
Reaching a Global Audience The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is set to captivate a global audience, with an estimated 3.5 million viewers tuning in across the United States via ESPN, including live coverage on ESPN College GameDay, broadcasting from Dublin’s Dame Street—a first for the prestigious show outside the U.S.
Irish viewers will also have the opportunity to watch all the action live on TG4, marking the first time the event is available on free-to-air TV in Ireland, with Sky Sports providing coverage in the UK. With Aer Lingus at the forefront of this thrilling event, the College Football Classic not only kicks off the U.S.
college football season but also celebrates the deep-rooted connections between Ireland and America, creating an unforgettable experience for fans on both sides of the Atlantic. “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.” With game day fast approaching, all eyes are on Aviva Stadium this weekend. This iconic venue is set to be the ultimate destination, whether you’re a passionate college football enthusiast or just eager to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere.
This event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved..
