Everything you need to know as College Football returns to Dublin for the ultimate day out

Anyone who has witnessed an American football game stateside knows that the pageantry and fanfare is part and parcel of the experience. The football teams are not the only athletes flying over for the game – they'll be joined by their respective cheerleading squads. These elite athletes are bringing that all-American flavour (and some truly gravity-defying routines) to Dublin. Together with the college's spirit squads, marching bands, flyovers and mascots, spectators will be treated to a full show, in addition to some world class sports.

In the days leading up to the game, and, in particular, the hours before the kick-off, Dublin will be transformed as some of the most dedicated fans flock to our fair city. Across town, bars and restaurants will be paying tribute to all things USA, so why not get in on the good vibes? Brush up on college football lore, pick your team, don some face-paint, and even join one or two of the tailgate parties in Official Guinness Tailgating Pubs across the city or near the Aviva Stadium.

TCU Horned Frogs and the North Carolina Tar Heels are two teams with world-class reputations for the sport, and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic marks just their fifth time facing each other in history. This game will also be the first time each team plays internationally. TCU are two-time National Championship winners, while UNC has an incredibly rich sporting history generally, producing legends including NBA champ Micheal Jordan and FIFA World Cup Winner Mia Hamm.