Illinois will open the 2021 football season in Dublin against Nebraska, the university announced Monday.
The game is part of the Aer Lingus College Football Series and will take place on Aug. 28, 2021, at Aviva Stadium.
Notre Dame and Navy will play in Dublin in the series' 2020 game.
"The University of Illinois, our football program, our alumni and fans and the entire Fighting Illini family are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Emerald Isle," athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. "When first approached about this game almost two years ago, we had immediate interest. This game will provide an incredible educational opportunity for our football student-athletes who, because of their schedule, generally do not receive the same international experiences as many of our other student-athletes. For our fans, I hope they will journey with us across the Atlantic for a wonderful trip and a major football game, all set against the beauty of Ireland."
The team plans to arrive early in the week and acclimate to the time change and take in some cultural events.
"It's great to see new teams getting involved in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic," said Leo Varadkar, Ireland's prime minister. "Tens of thousands of fans are expected to make the journey for each game in the series over the next five years, bringing with them a huge boost for the economy. Illinois and Nebraska players and fans can look forward to the best of Irish hospitality."
Dublin Mayor Paul McAuliffe said: "I welcome the news that both the University of Illinois and University of Nebraska teams and fans will travel to Dublin in 2021 and I look forward to seeing the color and energy that they will bring to the city of Dublin."
