A near sell-out college American Football game is still set to go ahead at the Aviva Stadium on August 29, despite a government ban on mass gatherings.
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Navy and Notre Dame is still due to go ahead, despite the government ban on gatherings of 5,000 people or more until September.
35,000 American fans travelled to the game the last time the two sides met in Ireland back in 2012, and both teams are expected to bring a sizeable compliment of players and staff.
Over 30,000 tickets have been sold for the college football season opener in Donnybrook - with 65% of that attendance expected to come from the US.
But Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk is still optimistic about the chances of the game going ahead, saying college officials are "not naive".
But he admits that a COVID-19 shutdown continuing into the summer would be a far more significant issue than one game in Dublin.
"We're going to play it," Gladchuk told ESPN.
"We expect this to pass. We're not naïve.
"We're five months away from that game happening. There's a lot that could happen in five months.
"If the economy and the United States are still shut down in five months, we all have significant issues, more so than a game in Dublin."
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly also remained optimistic about playing the game in Dubin, but did admit discussions were underway about alternative dates and venues.
"We'd like to play the game in Ireland," Kelly said.
"Whether we can or not that's still a topic that's being discussed.
"We'll have some alternatives, and whether there's a particular date I can't give you right now, but those discussions are underway."
Each team is estimated to have a playing squad of over 100 people, as well as coaching and logistical staff.
The Notre Dame marching band, who are expected to perform at the game, has some 300 members.
The game, which will be a season opener in both teams' seasons will be broadcast live on American TV and is thought to worth tens of millions to the Irish economy.
The 2012 clash is believed to have generated some €60 million for the Irish economy.
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