Dublin hosts Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026
The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic welcomed Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, marking a thrilling start to the college football season. This event attracted over 14,000 American visitors, strengthening cultural and economic ties between Ireland and the US.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic took place in Dublin’s iconic Aviva Stadium, featuring Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina in a landmark ‘Week Zero’ game that officially opened the college football season. This marked the first time both teams competed outside the United States, underscoring Dublin’s status as the European home of college football.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, warmly welcomed the players, bands, staff, and supporters, highlighting the significance of the event in celebrating the enduring bonds between Ireland and the United States. She noted that the game brought over 14,000 American visitors to Dublin and was broadcast globally on ESPN as well as nationally on TG4. The match also featured Newry’s own Adam McCann-Gibbs playing for the University of North Carolina, adding a proud local connection.
The fixture carries the prestigious Keough-Naughton Trophy, named after two influential figures in Irish-American relations, symbolising the deep cultural and business connections between the two nations. Alongside the sporting spectacle, the event facilitated important political engagement with visits from Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, a US Congressional delegation, and over 80 state legislators. Minister of State Neale Richmond TD welcomed these delegations, emphasising the event’s role in fostering bipartisan dialogue and strengthening trade, investment, and tourism links. Since its inception, this series has generated over €514 million for the Irish economy, benefiting Dublin and the wider country through tourism and hospitality.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, warmly welcomed the players, bands, staff, and supporters, highlighting the significance of the event in celebrating the enduring bonds between Ireland and the United States. She noted that the game brought over 14,000 American visitors to Dublin and was broadcast globally on ESPN as well as nationally on TG4. The match also featured Newry’s own Adam McCann-Gibbs playing for the University of North Carolina, adding a proud local connection.
The fixture carries the prestigious Keough-Naughton Trophy, named after two influential figures in Irish-American relations, symbolising the deep cultural and business connections between the two nations. Alongside the sporting spectacle, the event facilitated important political engagement with visits from Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, a US Congressional delegation, and over 80 state legislators. Minister of State Neale Richmond TD welcomed these delegations, emphasising the event’s role in fostering bipartisan dialogue and strengthening trade, investment, and tourism links. Since its inception, this series has generated over €514 million for the Irish economy, benefiting Dublin and the wider country through tourism and hospitality.
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