Wisconsin-Pitt to face off in Ireland in 2027

Badgers to open 2027 season in Aer Lingus College Football Classic

MADISON, Wis. – For just the second time in program history, the Wisconsin football team will play a game on international soil when the Badgers open the 2027 season against Pittsburgh in Ireland. The “Aer Lingus College Football Classic” will take place at Aviva Stadium located in Dublin, Ireland.
 
In what will serve as a home game for Pitt, the Aug. 28, 2027 matchup is the second in a two-game series. The Panthers will visit Camp Randall Stadium in 2026 before the teams square off in Ireland in 2027.
 
“It’s exciting for our student-athletes, their families and our fans who will be able to have such a unique experience,” director of athletics Chris McIntosh said. “We talk all the time about the opportunities available to the student-athletes at Wisconsin and this is another example. Visiting another country and playing a quality opponent will be memorable for all involved and we are looking forward to it!”

Wisconsin’s only other game in a foreign country came in 1993 in a 41-20 win over Michigan State in the Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan.

 

“We look forward to welcoming two respected universities in the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Wisconsin and their notable football programs to Dublin in 2027,” said Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. “We anticipate an exciting week of leisure, business, academic and sporting events leading up to the game in line with our ‘Much More Than A Game’ ethos.”

 

“Dublin is now the International home of College Football and we are proud to welcome Pitt and Wisconsin to the Emerald Isle in 2027,” said Daithí de Róiste, The Lord Mayor of Dublin. “These games are a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase all that Dublin City has to offer.”

 

Georgia Tech and Florida State will kick off the 2024 season in the third game of the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic series, held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The game series key partners are Aer Lingus, Failte Ireland,…