When Texas Christian University runs out at the Aviva Stadium on August 29th for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, it will mark more than just Week Zero of a new season.
For Athletic Director Mike Buddie, it will be a statement about identity, ambition and education — on and off the field.
Buddie was in Dublin yesterday tidying up some of the elements that will lead towards the big game this summer. The game itself is much more, leading out into areas of business, leadership, academic opportunity and a significant tourism boost not only for Dublin but across the country.
16,000 are expected to travel from the US to see the Tar Heels of the University of North Carolina take on the Horned Frogs of TCU, with the balance made up of European and Irish based fans of the sport, spurred by four sell out years since 2022 and boosted by last year’s extravaganza from the BFL of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. General ticket sales will begin on March 12th, with Group bookings and a presale period open now.
We had an opportunity to sit with Buddie for a half hour overlooking the stadium yesterday, the result of which you can listen to below in the Sport for Business podcast.
Image Credit: Sport for Business
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