This year's Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Navy and Notre Dame, which was due to be played at the Aviva Stadium on August 29th, will not be played in Ireland. The decision comes following consultation the Irish government, medical authorities and the leadership teams at Navy and Notre Dame.
The game will instead be played at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
"We are obviously disappointed not to be travelling to Ireland this August," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk.
"But, as expected, our priority must be ensuring the health and safety of all involved. I am expecting that we will still be able to play Notre Dame as our season opener, but there is still much to be determined by health officials and those that govern college football at large. Once we have a definitive plan in place, we will announce the specifics pertaining to the game."
Notre Dame's Jack Swarbrick added:
"Our student-athletes have had great experiences competing in Ireland and are very disappointed not to be returning to Dublin in 2020. The change of venue has been a very difficult decision for our colleagues at the Naval Academy, but we are in full support of their choice. We are also grateful for everything our partners in Ireland have done to make this a smooth transition. We look forward to going back to Ireland for a game in the not too distant future."
The series will now commence on August 28th, 2021 when the University of Illinois will play the University of Nebraska at the Aviva Stadium for the 2021 season opener.
Picture credit: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
