Kansas State will open the 2025 season against Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. He will head to Isle, the school announced Wednesday.
“We are thrilled that Kansas State University and our football program have been selected to play against Iowa State University in the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic,” Director of Athletics Gene Taylor said in a written statement. Ta. “The opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans to visit some of the world's greatest destinations and showcase our football program and brand on a global stage is one we cannot afford to miss. I am grateful to John Anthony and his staff for making this unique experience possible, and I know that our team, coaches and fans are eagerly starting to prepare for our trip to Dublin. .”
This will be the second time K-State will play a football game outside the United States, the first being on Dec. 5, 1992, when the Wildcats faced Nebraska in Tokyo, Japan.
Head Coach Chris Klieman said: “I couldn't be more excited to be selected to compete in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.” “Our players and staff are excited to introduce our program to a global audience, and this cultural experience will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire Wildcat Nation.” I would like to thank the administration and the Aer Lingus Classic team for making this a wonderful experience.”
The game between the Wildcats and Cyclones will be Ireland's first Big 12 matchup, the fourth installment of the Aer Lingus Classic, and the 10th college football game ever played in Ireland.
The K-State-Iowa State series included two neutral-field games against Farmagedeon, and the Wildcats won the 2009 and 2010 meetings at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, the 2025 matchup will be the first time K-State has started a season against a conference opponent since the first Big 12 matchup, when the Wildcats defeated Texas Tech on Aug. 31, 1996.
“We are thrilled to welcome K-State University and Iowa State University to Dublin for the 2025 Aer Lingus Classic,” said John, co-founder of Aer Lingus Classic and executive vice president of On Location University.・Anthony said. “Kicking off the season with this classic Big 12 Conference rivalry game will bring even more excitement to a packed Aviva Stadium. We look forward to providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of our student-athletes and our loyal fans at Kansas State University. A special thank you to Coach Klieman and Gene Taylor for accepting this opportunity.”
The Aer Lingus Classic aims to bring American college football to Ireland each year and promote Ireland as a tourist destination, and 2025 will mark the fourth year in a row that college football will begin the season with a game in Dublin. Florida State University and Georgia Tech will open the 2024 season in Ireland, with more than 21,000 U.S. fans confirmed to travel abroad during game week. ESPN's College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will be taking part in the Aer Lingus Classic, broadcast live from Dublin, on Saturday, August 24th.
As title sponsor, Aer Lingus will be responsible for transporting the team and its delegation to Dublin on a dedicated chartered flight. Ireland's flag carrier, Aer Lingus, offers direct flights to Ireland from 17 North American destinations, as well as providing seamless connections to Europe for US travelers through its hub at Dublin Airport.
“We welcome the news that Kansas State University and Iowa State University have been selected as opponents for Game 4 of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic Series,” said Irish Tourism Minister Catherine Martin. “This event is now firmly established on the Irish sporting calendar, providing a huge boost to Irish tourism and hospitality and creating a great atmosphere in Dublin for both tourists and locals. We look forward to welcoming teams and supporters exploring other regions to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and beyond.”
Wildcat fans can visit www.Cats2Ireland.com for game details and to sign up for ticket updates, including K-State official travel and hospitality packages, available in late May. You can
