Ireland Scores Big: The Marketing Impact of Florida State vs. Georgia Tech in Dublin

This past weekend, Florida State University and Georgia Institute of Technology played in the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, marking a significant moment for the teams and for the global reach of college football. The game itself came down to a field goal attempt with time expiring to win the game. The interest it generated in Ireland was even more remarkable than a game-winning kick, reflected by the keyword “IRELAND” hitting a perfect 100 on Google Trends on game day.

What Does a 100 Google Trends Score Mean?

A Google Trends score of 100 represents the peak popularity of a search term within a specific region during a given time frame. In simpler terms, on the day of the Florida State vs. Georgia Tech game, searches related to Ireland reached their highest possible level. This interest surge is a good indicator of the game’s success in capturing the attention of potential customers for Ireland. It reflects the effectiveness of the marketing strategies employed.

This isn’t just about two American college teams playing internationally. It’s about strategically expanding the sport’s global footprint. For years, the NFL has been pushing its boundaries with international games in Europe and beyond, and now college football is following suit. The goal is to introduce American football to new audiences. This will hopefully cultivate international fan bases and ultimately grow the sport’s influence worldwide.

Why Ireland? The Power of a Strategic Location

Dublin serves as more than just a beautiful location. Ireland was chosen specifically for expanding college football’s reach. Ireland has deep cultural ties to the United States, and its enthusiasm for sports provides fertile ground for this growth. The choice of Aviva Stadium, known for hosting major soccer and rugby events, added credibility and excitement to the event. Great sporting events and Aviva Stadium are now inseparable. That’s a win for college football.

The Google Trends score hitting 100 on game day illustrates how well this strategy worked. There’s way more to it than just putting on a game. You need to create buzz, engage a new audience, and make college football a topic of conversation far from America. Tourism in Ireland is guaranteed to increase in the following months.

Marketing Mastery: How to Make a Game an Event

Looking through a marketing lens, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a great example of how to elevate a normal conference game into a global event. The organizers didn’t just rely on the name that American football is. A narrative was crafted that resonated with both domestic and international audiences. Commercial breaks were littered with Ireland’s scenery, along with many things to do there. The result was an event that captured the attention of foreign countries, as evidenced by the spike in Google searches.

For Florida State and Georgia Tech, the benefits also extend beyond the field. This game provided both universities with a platform to showcase their brands on an international stage, potentially attracting new fans, students, and even athletic recruits from abroad. The visibility gained through the high Google Trends score is an invaluable asset in today’s digital age, where online interest can translate into real-world growth.

The Future of College Football Abroad

The success of the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic lays the foundation for many more international games in the future. With upcoming matchups already planned in Dublin, it’s clear that college football’s global expansion is only just beginning. A quick look at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic’s website already shows next year’s matchup between Kansas State University and 愛荷華州立大學 .

The implications are far-reaching. As college football continues to grow its international presence, we can expect to see more games that not only thrill fans but also drive significant digital engagement in new markets. This blend of on-field action and off-field marketing is a winning strategy that will help propel the sport into new territories.