On August 26, 2023, the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face off against the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. This will be the third time the Fighting Irish have played Navy in Ireland, having won both previous matchups. But what is the reason behind Notre Dame's decision to travel all the way to Ireland for this game?

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a series of games held in Ireland, bringing American college football teams overseas to showcase the sport and deepen the cultural and sporting relationship between the United States and Ireland. The series was announced in 2015 and has already seen matchups such as Georgia Tech vs. Boston College. The 2020 game between Notre Dame and Navy was initially scheduled to take place in Ireland but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2023 meeting between the two teams can be seen as a postponed version of the 2020 game.

By participating in this prestigious event, Notre Dame is not only demonstrating its commitment to international engagement but also honoring its historical connection to Ireland. The event also serves as an opportunity for the university to strengthen its ties with Irish alumni and engage with the local business community. As part of the pre-game activities, a CEO lunch was held featuring former Irish President Mary McAleese and notable alumni. The game itself promises to be a thrilling matchup, showcasing the skills and talents of both teams on an international stage.