Penn State Football: Nittany Lions to Open 2014 Season against UCF in Ireland

The worst kept secret in college football is finally official as the Gaelic Athletic Association announced Sunday the 2014 “Croke Park Classic,” that will see Penn State meet the University of Central Florida on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.

The Croke Park Classic will kick at 1:30 p.m. in Dublin (8:30 a.m. ET) and air on ESPN2. Capacity at Croke (pronounced Crow) Park will be 69,000 for the contest.

“This is a hugely significant event for Croke Park and Ireland. We in the GAA are looking forward to hosting a competitive sporting occasion.”  Said Páraic Duffy GAA Director General. “Irish people are renowned for their love of sport as evidenced by the thousands who attend our games throughout the year.  I have no doubt that this game will be every bit as attractive. “

Penn State coach Bill O’Brien worked with UCF coach George O’Leary at Georgia Tech. O’Brien was a member of O’Leary’s staff from 1995-2001 and they helped the Yellow Jackets win the 1998 Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

“We are thrilled to announce that we will play UCF at Croke Park to open the 2014 season, “ said O’Brien. “Our players and coaches are so excited to go to Ireland and play a college football game in such a historic and outstanding venue. I have great respect for Coach O’Leary and his team and playing UCF in Ireland will be a fantastic experience for all the players, coaches and fans.”

Fans interested in traveling to Ireland for the historic game can do so on the Official Penn State Tour, presented by the Penn State Alumni Association and the Nittany Lion Club. Packages include accommodations at three-, four- or five-star hotels, game tickets, an exclusive private party at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse, excursion tours, gameday transportation, a full Irish breakfast each morning and much more.

 For complete information on travel packages for this first of its kind opportunity for Penn State, visit PSU.CrokeParkClassic.com. More information on travel packages for the Croke Park Classic will be announced on Monday.