2024 College Football Season Kicks Off in Dublin

The 2024 NCAA college football season is officially underway, with the first game taking place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The matchup features the Florida State Seminoles going head-to-head against the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

This exciting game is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, at noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT). It will be aired on ESPN, beginning with the pre-game show “College GameDay” starting at 9:00 a.m. ET.

For fans without traditional cable, various streaming services offer options to watch the game. Sling TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are among the platforms allowing viewers to access ESPN and enjoy the college football action.

The venue, Aviva Stadium, is noted for its capacity to seat 49,000 guests during American football events. Hosting such a prestigious game marks the third consecutive year that college football has been played at this location, following the matches involving Northwestern versus Nebraska in 2022 and Notre Dame against Navy in 2023.

Florida State and Georgia Tech’s match in Dublin represents a unique occasion, as both teams typically play their games on their respective campuses, situated only a 4.5-hour drive apart. This game is part of the ongoing effort to promote American football globally, providing teams with the chance to connect with fans and explore different cultures.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic, managed by Ireland’s leading airline, illustrates the collaboration between sports and tourism, encouraging fans to travel and experience the charm of Dublin while supporting their teams. Florida State head coach Mike Norvell expressed his excitement about this opportunity for the students, fans, and staff.

Florida State, viewed as a global brand, acknowledges the exposure this event offers. The game is not only a thrilling sports event but also an opportunity for mutual cultural experiences between teams and fans.

This matchup marks Georgia Tech’s second visit to Ireland, having previously played Boston College in 2016. The increasing number of college football games held in Dublin highlights the enduring appeal and growing popularity of the sport beyond U.S. borders.