THE ANNUAL Aer Lingus College Football Classic returns to Dublin for another year this weekend. Last year's edition threw up a one-sided affair as Notre Dame demolished Navy 42-3 . But this year's match-up should prove a far closer affair between Florida State and Georgia Tech.
For the second year running, the Aviva Stadium is already sold out with sales bolstered by an estimated 27,000 American fans travelling here to roar on their college teams. But for those open to sampling the pageantry and fervour around a college American football match there is still hope. That's because ESPN's College GameDay preview show will be broadcasting from the Dame Street/College Green area on Saturday afternoon.
According to Dublin City Council the exact broadcasting time will be from 2pm-5pm. The famed show began in 1991 and sets up in a different college campus every week of the season. This will be the first time it's ever broadcast from outside of the US.
The usual backdrop of the programme sees throngs of fans hanging around in the background as its very much a format where presenters interact with them throughout. So anyone who has any interest in experiencing the occasion as a whole can show up on the day as it's a non-ticketed, family-friendly event. DCC will be putting on Irish dancing performances in addition to live trad music so it's sure to be a memorable afternoon in the capital.
Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan said of it: “I am delighted to welcome so many of our Americ.