Soon-to-be Olympian Stacey Flood has kicked off Budweiser’s Aer Lingus College Football Classic activity, and who knows, might be attending the game on August 24th as part of an Olympic medal-winning team.

The Irish Rugby 7s star spoke with media as an ambassador to Budweiser, the Official Beer Partner of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

She has been capped over 50 times for Ireland, having switched from her first love of Ladies Gaelic Football as a teenager.

“The Olympics is a real showcase for getting more Irish fans to understand and fall in love with sevens,” she told us yesterday.

“It can be a gruesome sport to play, but it is incredible to watch, and as a fan, it is like an all-day party.”

“When I was growing up watching the Olympics, Ireland were either boxers or long-distance runners. That’s what we saw. My first Olympic memories are of Sonia O’Sullivan in Sydney 2000, and now I will be an Olympian.”

“I love the GAA; it’s your roots, it gives you your values in sport and in life when you are growing up, and we are extremely lucky to have that.”

“But with sports where you can represent your country, it just hits home differently, and I think we are so lucky to have that opportunity to play and represent our country and maybe inspire a handful of girls to play Sevens.”

As a young girl growing up in Ringsend, she played Gaelic and football for local clubs and became interested in rugby through a school blitz.

“I would have loved to play in Croke Park, but haven’t got to do that, but the Olympics is pretty special.

She won’t be tempted to switch codes to take up flag football, making its debut at the LA Games in four years’ time, though.

“I love all sports and the College game will be special but I’m not sure about playing.  I don’t even think I was holding the ball right for the picture,” she laughed.

Georgia Tech will return to Dublin, where they played in 2016, to take on Florida State at the Aviva Stadium on August 24th.

The game will be broadcast live on the major US network, ESPN.

Budweiser is offering fans the opportunity to win a money-can’t-buy experience for Game Day with tickets to their Best Seats in the House. The competition extends to pubs and bars across the country, and this year, fans can win exclusive merchandise across Budweiser’s social media channels.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Aer Lingus College Football Classic back this summer,” said Brand Manager for Ireland Laura Healy.

“Budweiser’s Best Seats in the House have been sought after year on year now, and we’re excited to see their return for 2024. The fans are what have made Game Day so electric here in Dublin.”

“To add to the excitement, we’re thrilled to have our Budweiser ambassadors on board with us. Stacey Flood, Eoin Cadogan, and Joey Carbery are stars of their games, making them the perfect fit for a brand like Budweiser heading into the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.”

 

 

 

 

Sport for Business will host its annual Sponsorship Showcase event in Dublin on Thursday morning, October 10th. This is one of many events planned for the remainder of 2024.

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The Aer Lingus College Football Classic and the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the 300 organisations, which include all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, that are members of the Sport for Business community.

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