The Pitch: The spectacular economic impact of college football in Ireland

The Grant Thornton economic impact report shows that the value of each attendee was greater than the individual spend by Ryder Cup fans at the K Club in 2006.

Navy Notre Dame lift the trophy after beating Navy at the Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

A new study will today reveal that last year’s Aer Lingus Football Classic at the Aviva Stadium generated €180m for the economy – making it one of the richest Irish-hosted sports events in history.

The NCAA game featuring the most enduring name in US College sports - Notre Dame Fighting Irish – was played in front of a sell-out Aviva Stadium audience and was the most valuable ever event held here, based on fan expenditure.