The American football game between Boston College and Georgia Tech in Dublin next September could generate as much as €24m for the national economy, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
As many as 25,000 fans are expected to travel to Dublin for the meeting between Boston College and Georgia Tech in the Aviva Stadium in on 3rd September 2016.
According to Dublin Chamber Chief Executive, Gina Quin: “Big sporting events provide a huge draw for prospective visitors. Given the huge Irish contingent living in the Boston region, this game might be a perfect reason for people to visit Ireland for the first time or to return for the first time in years. The game is also likely to generate considerable interest from American Football fans in the UK and around Europe, and will provide an excellent opportunity to show off what Ireland has to offer tourists and businesses alike.”
Dublin Chamber predicts that the game will provide a significant boost for hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses in the hospitality sector.
Ms Quin added: “Similar to exports, sports tourism has the capacity to generate much needed growth in Ireland’s economy. Dublin’s hospitality sector relies on major events, from international sports matches and festivals, to concerts and conferences. Going forward, continuing to secure unique events which are attractive to an international audience is essential if ambitious tourism growth targets are to be met.”
This will be the third time in six years that Dublin has hosted a high-profile college American football game.
Ms Quin concluded: “Dublin is fast becoming known as the European home for college football. The game will be beamed by ESPN to millions of fans around the world, presenting a huge marketing opportunity for Dublin and the rest of the country. While businesses closest to the city centre usually report the greatest increase in sales for these sporting events, the long haul nature of the visitors means that many may head further out to the surrounding counties of Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and beyond.”