(670 The Score) Illinois will face Nebraska in Ireland in 2021 as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Series in Dublin, the school announced Monday.
The game will be played on Aug. 28, 2021 in what's become known as Week Zero in college football. It will be played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which serves as the home of Ireland's national soccer and rugby teams.
"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," Illinois 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."
Illinois will give up a home game, as the contest had been scheduled to be held in Champaign on Nov. 13, 2021. It will mark the first time the Fighting Illini football team plays outside of the United States.
