American College Football: from Florida to Ireland
As I stood at the Cliffs of Moher, the waves crashing below, I couldn't help but feel a sense of amazement. In the towering cliffs and rolling green hills, something apart from the natural beauty captured my attention—the flecks of garnet and gold dotting the cliffs, the Florida State University (FSU) colors of my alma mater. I was part of a vast sea of Seminoles who had traveled from around the world to attend the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, where two American university teams competed in a game that would typically have been played on their home turf.
The moment I landed at Dublin Airport, I felt the college football energy in the air. FSU and Georgia Tech banners hung from the airport's ceilings, and balloons decorated the entryway through immigration with team colors. As I stood in the immigration line, an Irish couple discussed the game, amazed that thousands were traveling to Ireland for a college football game. I'm not gonna lie; if you see it from an outsider's perspective, it does seem kind of strange. It is difficult to explain college football lore to people outside the United States. I would not know until my last year of University when I went to my first football game. I thought the football thing was a "gringo" activity. Although I come from a Puerto Rican background and wasn't exposed to any sports apart from boxing, my first FSU game experience had me hooked.
From Dublin to Galway you would see fans proudly displaying their team colors and always randomly hear "Go Noles!" More than just the volume of fans, what stood out was the stories behind them—the alums who had made the journey, the Europeans experiencing their first game day, and the Irish locals eager to understand this American tradition.
With 47,988 fans in attendance, including 28,406 international visitors, the Aer Lingus classic promoted a cultural exchange experience with lots of fun. The game took place in the Aviva Stadium, home of the Irish rugby union team and the Republic of Ireland football team. The Classic, promoted by Ireland's airline, Aer Lingus, first started in 2016, offering a unique opportunity for fans to see their college teams play abroad while exploring the beauty that Ireland has to offer. For the players and coaches, it's a chance to be in the international lense. For the Irish, particularly the residents of Dublin, the event brings a glimpse of American college life, complete with the passionate pride of people on their college teams. Even if they didn't fully grasp all the rules or why we like it so much, they felt the energy and passion surrounding college football. Looking at children proudly wearing their FSU game day gear, it struck me how college football, particularly at FSU, is about more than just sport. It's about family, friendship, and tradition. As we shared our love for football with the Irish, they welcomed us with open arms, eager to share their traditions.
For many of us, watching Florida State play a rugby match against Trinity College Dublin was a unique experience. Spectators talked about how random yet interesting the game was, a fitting metaphor for the entire weekend. We weren't just visiting Ireland—we were connecting our traditions with theirs, learning from one another, and sharing our love of sport.
When game day finally arrived, as we walked to the Aviva Stadium, the energy in Dublin was electric. Fans from different backgrounds filled the stand, and the FSU Warchant roared while Georgia Tech's Jellow Jacket danced. Among us were Irish spectators, who were curious and excited to experience this American phenomenon. As the stadium filled, it was clear that football had, at least for a weekend, become Ireland's game, too.
Did we lose? Sadly yes, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As I boarded my flight to Paris, I couldn't help but reflect on our time in Ireland. It was more than just a game, it was a celebration of the unifying power of sports. We bridged cultures, formed new friendships, and created indelible memories. Our shared passion for the game was warmly received by the Irish, and it was these moments of connection that made the experience truly extraordinary.
