Dublin set to score with big American Football game

AN American Football game between Boston College and Georgia Tech in Dublin next September could generate as much as

?¬24 million for the national economy, it has been claimed.

As many as 25,000 fans are expected to travel to the capital for the much-anticipated clash in the Aviva Stadium on September 3 next year.

According to Dublin Chamber Chief Executive, Gina Quin, big sporting events provide a huge draw for prospective visitors.

“Given the huge Irish contingent living in the Boston region, this game might be a perfect reason for people to visit Ireland for the first time or to return for the first time in years,

? she said.

“The game is also likely to generate considerable interest from American Football fans in the UK and around Europe, and will provide an excellent opportunity to show off what Ireland has to offer tourists and businesses alike.

?

Dublin Chamber predicts that the game will provide a significant boost for hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses in the hospitality sector.

Ms Quin explained:

“Similar to exports, sports tourism has the capacity to generate much needed growth in Ireland’s economy.

“Dublin’s hospitality sector relies on major events, from international sports matches and festivals, to concerts and conferences. Going forward, continuing to secure unique events which are attractive to an international audience is essential if ambitious tourism growth targets are to be met.

?

This will be the third time in recent years that Dublin has hosted a high-profile American College Football game.

Ms Quin added:

“Dublin is fast becoming known as the European home for college football.

“The game will be beamed by ESPN to millions of fans around the world, presenting a huge marketing opportunity for Dublin and the rest of the country.

“While businesses closest to the city centre usually report the greatest increase in sales for these sporting events, the long haul nature of the visitors means that many may head further out to the surrounding counties of Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and beyond.

?

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny said it was

“great news

? that Boston College have chosen the Aviva Stadium to play Georgia Tech in 2016.

“I’m reliably informed there will be up to 25,000 visitors arriving from all over the US and Europe for what looks all set to be a thrilling game, and an enthralling week,

? he said.

“American College Football is making not just a name, but a second home for itself in Ireland.

?

In 1998 Boston College defeated the US Military Academy, 38-24, at what was then Lansdowne Road.

In 2012, there was the Emerald Isle Classic, with the clash of the Naval Academy and Notre Dame.

And last year the Croke Park Classic between Central Florida and Penn State attracted 48,000 sports fans.