A BELL OF A SPECTACLE!
JASON BELL believes that the Aer Lingus College Football Series taking place in Dublin helps gridiron grow in Ireland.
The Northwestern Wildcats take on Nebraska at the Aviva on Saturday, August 27 (5.30pm).
Bell lined out for the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans and the New York Giants in his career as a corner-back in the NFL.
Since retiring, he’s become involved in the media and is now cohost of the NFL show on the BBC.
Bell, who will be at the game in Dublin 4 in three weeks’ time, feels such events will inspire young Irish American footballers.
Two Irish players are currently on NFL practice squads, James McCourt with the LA Chargers and Daniel Whelan with the New Orleans Saints.
“It’s huge because you’ve got two players right now on rosters and how did they fall in love with the game?” said Bell at the launch of the series.
“They see it when they’re young, and they see the atmosphere it provides.
Stadium
“That’s what this game is all about you’re coming to Dublin to an amazing stadium and fans which is going to be a unique experience.
“This is what kids see and this will be their introduction to the sport, and this is why it’s so important.
“Especially the college game, this is reason I fell in love with the
NFL.
“It was the local college game I saw that culture, that vibe and that atmosphere which makes college football so unique.
“I’ve always said they need to see college football over here.
“It’s crazy and intense because of the fans and their association with the team.”
Events will take place across the capital in the lead up to the game on August 27, with Merrion Square hosting pep rallies for both sides the previous day (3-5pm).
There will be performances from the teams’ marching bands and cheer squads, who will provide a sneak peak of what match-goers have to look forward to the following evening.
Bell says Irish fans who attend the game are in for a real treat, with both teams being in the same Big Ten conference and wanting to make a good start to their season.
Energy
“Get ready for nonstop energy,” added Bell.
“You’re going to leave this game exhausted.
“You’re going to feel like you played the game!
“One thing that’s so great about it is, yes, the product on the field is going to be amazing but it’s everything else that comes with it.
“Hours before the game you got tailgating that party like atmosphere, you got the pep-rallies.
“This is stuff I grew up with and then you got a half-time show and once again you got a football game and all that action expect to be entertained at every moment.”
The aforementioned tailgate party, at midday on the day of the game, sees supporters meet in the stadium car park to enjoy food and drink while excitement builds for the game.
Northwestern fans will happily make do with the surrounds of Fitzsimons Temple Bar, while the Nebraska tailgate party takes place at Buskers
Temple Bar.
The games itself will be live streamed on
Fox TV and the Aviva will host 16,000 tourists to watch the encounter.
The showdown at the end of the month will be the 13th time that Northwestern and Nebraska have faced off on a gridiron pitch, with the latter running out victorious on seven occasions.