A new economic report compiled by Grant Thornton, has revealed that the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic delivered a €132 million boost to the Irish economy following last August’s showdown between Kansas State’s “Wildcats” and Iowa State’s “Cyclones” at the Aviva Stadium.
The Post-Game Economic Impact Report was released as preparations intensify for this year’s fixture between Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of North Carolina (UNC), set to take place in Dublin on August 29.
According to Grant Thornton, the game attracted 47,226 spectators, including 25,999 international visitors. Of those travelling from overseas, 22,910 came from the United States, accounting for roughly half of the total attendance. American visitors stayed an average of 7.1 nights, while other non-resident attendees remained for around two nights, highlighting the significant tourism impact generated by the event.
The match was broadcast live on ESPN in the United States, drawing a peak audience of 4.7 million viewers and ranking as the most-watched game of that week. The television exposure provided Ireland with substantial visibility, particularly across the states of Kansas and Iowa, introducing new audiences to the island.
Activity surrounding the game extended well beyond the on-field action. A series of business, academic, political, community, social and sporting engagements were held throughout the week under the “Much More Than A Game” initiative, strengthening cultural and commercial ties between Ireland and the United States.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the success of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic shows how important the event is in the annual tourism calendar for visitors and locals alike.
"Mixing business, leisure and sport, the event is an opportunity to build links with parts of the United States that Ireland may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise, as well as providing a great spectacle for the thousands who can go to the Aviva Stadium and the millions watching on television," he said.
"The recent establishment of the 'Much More Than A Game' committee co-chaired by an Assistant Secretary General in my Department is an important development in building the profile of the event and deepening the economic and cultural ties that develop from it," he added.
Caroline Bocquel, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that tourism is one of Ireland's most powerful economic engines, and events of this scale show just how significant that impact can be.
"The Aer Lingus College Football Classic continues to deliver exceptional value for Ireland, attracting tens of thousands of international visitors and generating major national and regional economic benefits," she said.
"Ireland has a unique ability to host world-class events and festivals that combine our hospitality and unrivalled atmosphere, and this game has become a standout example of that offering. The global broadcast reach also showcases Ireland at its very best to millions of potential future travellers," she added.
