Could Alabama Football Play a Game in Ireland Soon?
Nick Saban is no stranger to taking his Alabama football team on the road to play in marquee, nationally-televised games, but could a trip overseas be in the program's future? According to a report by Irish publication The Score, the Crimson Tide is thought to be one of a handful of teams interested in playing in one of three possible games between now and 2018.
The country saw such great success with the Emerald Isle Classic in 2012 that they want to continue the relationship with America's 2nd most popular sport. Notre Dame began its undefeated season with a 50-10 win over Navy in last year's game.
A trip for Alabama wouldn't likely occur before 2016 with non-conference, neutral site games already scheduled with West Virginia in 2014 and Wisconsin in 2015. The Crimson Tide already has a matchup set with Michigan State in 2016 but that will take place in Tuscaloosa, which would leave room for a neutral site game.
The report also lists Penn State, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Central Florida as teams showing interest at this point.
The negative for a trip to Ireland would be the increased travel expenses for fans. By that point, we'll already be in year two or three of the College Football Playoff which will could become expensive if Alabama continues its run of success.
How would a game in Ireland affect the way you scheduled your travel for that season?