North Carolina and TCU to open 2026 college football season in Ireland
The first game of Bill Belichick's second season at North Carolina will come in Ireland.
North Carolina and TCU announced Tuesday that they would open the 2026 season against each other in Ireland. It's the second game of a series between the two schools that begins on Labor Day when the Tar Heels host the Horned Frogs on Sept. 1.
'We're grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic,' Belichick said in a statement. 'It's a tremendous opportunity for our program and we're excited to represent the university and our fans on an international stage.'
The 2026 matchup between the teams will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29.
It will be the 11th college football game in Ireland and the fifth straight season opener in the country. After a six-year break, Aviva Stadium hosted Northwestern's win over Nebraska in 2022. Notre Dame beat Navy 42-3 in 2023 and Georgia Tech upset Florida State in 2024. That game was a sign of things to come in a miserable season for the Seminoles.
The 2025 Ireland game features Big 12 rivals Iowa State and Kansas State. After UNC and TCU play each other in 2026, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin will match up in 2027.
It's the first trip to Ireland for both TCU and North Carolina. UNC is the fifth ACC school to play in Ireland, though Pitt was not a member of the ACC when it beat Rutgers in December of 1989.
'We will take great pride in representing TCU internationally,' TCU coach Sonny Dykes said in a statement. 'With a good number of our players not having traveled overseas, I am most happy for them to have this opportunity and very much appreciate Aer Lingus and Irish American Events making it possible for them as well as all of TCU to share in this experience.'
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Half-day passes are cheaper and are typically available for weekdays, allowing guests to hang out from 4 p.m. to close. Kids aged 2 or younger get in free. Lodging: Folks who want to stay the night can do so in one of the lodge suites. When you lodge at Great Wolf Lodge, your water park passes are included for each registered guest, according to the website. The standard family suite includes two queen beds, full bath a TV and mini fridge. While the prices vary, the amount for a one-night stay for two adult guests and two kids (each over age 2) might start at around $369. There also are options for themed family suites that accommodate up to six to seven people, plus a premium option that accommodates up to 13 people. Address: Great Wolf Lodge (1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, Maryland). Visit or call (888) 983-9653. For decades, Six Flags has been a summer staple for adrenaline junkies; and the party hasn't stopped. The amusement park boasts dozens of rides, games and activities, including your favorite hero and villain rides like The Flash: Vertical Velocity, The Joker, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, The Dark Knight Coaster and Super Man: Ultimate Flight. Other notable experiences include the Wild Safari where guests cruise around in an open-air vehicle and discover epic animals, while learning about conservation efforts. Amenities: There's over a dozen restaurants, bars and food spots for patrons include the Ale House, Best of the West, Primo's Pizzeria on Main Street, Boardwalk Steak and Fries, Totally Kickin' Chicken Sports Bar, Sugar Shack and Rita's Italian Ice. Hours: The park is usually open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 1, though hours vary. Tickets: $39, one-day pass starts as low as that price. $75, season pass starts as low as that price. Address: Six Flags Great Adventures (Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, New Jersey). Visit or call (732) 928-2000. 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Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and holiday rates are $10 for those under 4 feet tall; and $12 for people 4 feet or taller. Address: Killens Pond (5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton). Visit or call (302) 284-4526. Midway Speedway Park is a Rehoboth gem that offers four tracks across eight styles of go-kart racing. There's also the White Water Mountain Water Park and Fire Mountain miniature golf. Not to mention, cool attractions on tap include Zip Zone Bumper Boats, or you can go on the water and play Splashing Bumper Boat Action. Hours: Open daily, Go-karts and mini golf from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Water park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $59.99, includes one all-day water park and one round of mini golf, and four choice tickets to be used on any attraction; $200 for a water park season pass. A Single Ride ticket is $12. 1 game of mini golf is $15. For more prices, see website below. Address: Midway Speed Waterpark (8645 Coastal Highway. Rehoboth Beach). 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