The GAA is Ireland’s largest sporting organisation. It promotes Ireland’s native sports including hurling and gaelic football. The Croke Park Classic will be played in the GAA’s main stadium, Croke Park, which will have a capacity of 69,000 for the event. The GAA is also promoting and running the event.
At Sunday’s announcement, GAA Director General Páraic Duffy welcomed the support of the Irish American Football Association. Commenting on the game, IAFA President Michael Smith said “IAFA is delighted to see top level American football return to Croke Park. We look forward to working with the GAA and Croke Park to make this an ongoing success.”
The Croke Park Classic will be the first time that UCF and Penn State have played outside the United States. "This is a hugely significant event for Croke Park and Ireland. We in the GAA are looking forward to hosting a competitive sporting occasion,” said Páraic Duffy GAA Director General. “Irish people are renowned for their love of sport as evidenced by the thousands who attend our games throughout the year. I have no doubt that this game will be every bit as attractive."
The Croke Park Classic will be the first time that UCF and Penn State have played outside the United States. "This is a hugely significant event for Croke Park and Ireland. We in the GAA are looking forward to hosting a competitive sporting occasion,” said Páraic Duffy GAA Director General. “Irish people are renowned for their love of sport as evidenced by the thousands who attend our games throughout the year. I have no doubt that this game will be every bit as attractive."
Veteran UCF Knights Coach George O’Leary was a mentor of Penn State Nittany Lions coach Bill O’Brien at Georgia Tech (1995-2001). “We are very excited about the prospect of playing our 2014 season opener in Dublin,” said Knights Coach O’Leary, in Croke Park for today’s announcement. “It’s a great opportunity for UCF, and a chance for us to grow the exposure of our football programme."
"On a personal level, Coach O’Brien (Penn State) and myself are both of Irish heritage, so obviously it means a great deal to both of us to be in a position to bring our teams here. We are confident that Croke Park will be an excellent venue for us to play in, we have been hugely impressed to date with the facilities and we are looking forward to a huge crowd to get our 2014 season off to a flying start."
A general ticket sale, which will be open to both Irish and European fans is scheduled for mid-autumn.
