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Iowa State Cyclones to Play First-Ever Football Game in Ireland

In a historic move, the Iowa State Cyclones will play their first-ever football game outside of the United States when they face off against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 23, 2025, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. This exciting announcement was made by Jamie Pollard, Iowa State’s Director of Athletics, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide the young men in the football program with an unrivaled educational, cultural, and athletic experience.

The Cyclones and Wildcats, longtime rivals, will meet for the 108th time on November 30, 2024, in Ames before heading to Dublin for the season-opener in 2025. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell expressed his excitement for the game, highlighting the significance of playing on a global stage and showcasing the University and its football program.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic aims to promote Ireland as a travel destination and has been a popular event in recent years. This will be the fourth consecutive season that college football begins with a game in Dublin, with ESPN’s College GameDay also set to broadcast live from the city on August 24.

The game in Dublin will mark a significant moment for both teams and their fans, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the student-athletes to experience international travel and grow the game of college football outside of the United States. With the support of Aer Lingus as the title sponsor, the teams and their delegations will be transported to Dublin on dedicated chartered flights, further strengthening the connection between North America and Ireland. Iowa State fans can visit Cyclones2Ireland.com for more information on the game and ticket updates.