AMERICAN FOOTBALL IS set to return to Croke Park in 2016 despite the row which overshadowed this year’s edition when the GAA were forced to move the All-Ireland semi-final replay between Kerry and Mayo to Limerick.
TheScore.ie understands a deal is in place that will see Boston College host Georgia Tech at Headquarters though it is likely the game will be moved from the last weekend in August to avoid any repeat of the events of 2014.
The game will mark the third time in five years Dublin plays host to Division I college football after the Emerald Isle Classic between Notre Dame and Navy at the Aviva Stadium in 2012 and Penn State’s last-gasp victory over the University of Central Florida earlier this year.
Boston College and Georgia Tech have combined for five national titles and boast former players such as Matt Ryan, Doug Flutie (both BC), Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson and Demaryius Thomas (both GT). John Heisman – after whom the annual award for the best player in college football is named – is also a former coach of Georgia Tech.
While an exact date for the 2016 fixture has yet to be confirmed, both teams play in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and, with inter-conference games generally played mid-season, early October looks most likely for the 2016 game.
When contacted by TheScore.ie Boston College did not deny an agreement was in place but said it was too early to comment on any specific games.
“At this point our administration is reviewing many future scheduling options but it would be premature to speculate on specific dates or opponents.”
Calls to Croke Park have gone unreturned.
Great to have another game in Dublin. Would have preferred another game at Lansdowne Road though. Pitch at Croke Park is far too big for an American Football field.
Great news
Is this “subject to licence ” ? Dont buy those tickets just yet. Happy Christmas Mr. Brooks.
Croke park lets you bring drink to your seats that day , to accommodate the yanks I suppose. Id love to be able to do the same at the football, but then again itd probably be mayhem
Is there none in 2015?
I’ll be there.
The bigwigs in the Gaa are trying to make it every two years. Keeps an interest without over saturating the market I suppose. Or that’s what I’d heard anyway
Brilliant. Last one was fantastic
Was at it in both the aviva and croke Park, there was the same size crowd at both but due to the capacity size of croke Park there was a lot of empty space and the atmosphere wasn’t as good. The aviva though was a full house and a much better atmosphere. Also due to the size of the pitch in croke Park you were much further away, whereas in the aviva you were closer to the action.
Should be good craic, though I doubt if too many shinners will be supporting Boston College.
I hope they bring the tapes
Brilliant news. The every 2 years arrangement for the games is a good idea. Keeps the novelty element there and still allows regular fans to be excited to go see the games.
We should have a proper nfl game like london
Good move, at least they will have a bigger crowd for this one. Last year would have been better in Aviva and Aviva one could have sold out twice so should have been in croker. So hopefully the BC gang alone will bring lots of fans as well as Irish and euro support