Kingspan Stadium is to play host to the Irish American Football’s Shamrock Bowl XXXIV on Sunday 7 August at 3 pm.
The game will be between the Dublin Rebels against UCD American Football and it will be the first decider to be played in three years due to the intervention of Covid.
The winner will be crowned National Champions in the conclusion of the 18-game week season.
The last time the game was held outside of Dublin was in 2009 when it took place at Cooke Rugby Club in Belfast. The Dublin Rebels were involved then as well but lost to a University team in the shape of UL Vikings.
Since then the decider has been played at Morton Stadium, Tallaght Stadium and at Energia Park.
The Dublin Rebels are the most successful team in the Irish branch of the sport with nine wins in total including four of the last ten.
The Shamrock Bowl has been played since 1996 when the Craigavon Cowboys were the first winners.
There are 19 senior teams playing on the island including eight in the Premier Division. Both the Dublin sides scored over 40 points in their semi-final wins last weekend to make it to the Final so it promises to be an exciting game. The Rebels won 34-30 when they met in the regular season back in June.
The biggest Irish link to American Football will be revived at the end of August when the Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Northwestern Wildcats at the Aviva Stadium in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
“The home of Ulster Rugby is a world-class venue and one of the premier stadiums in the country,” said American Football Ireland President Aidan Maguire.
“Having our national championship final at such a prestigious venue is another step in the growth of AFI.”
“I want to thank Paula Bradley and her colleagues for welcoming the sport of American Football into their stadium, as it was truly humbling to receive such support.”
“Shamrock Bowl XXIV promises to be a great event between the two best teams in the country, and we look forward to bringing our marquee championship final to the beautiful and historic city of Belfast.”
“The Shamrock Bowl coming to Kingspan Stadium for the first time is an exciting prospect for sports fans from across the province,” added Ulster Rugby CEO Jonny Petrie.
“Whether you’re an American Football fan already, or new to watching the sport, the final next month is set to be a great day out, as the competition showcases the best two teams in the sport from across Ireland.”
“We are delighted to be working with American Football Ireland to be hosting this event at our stadium, and we look forward to a competitive match, which is something we are no stranger to at the home of Ulster Rugby.”
