In an attempt to expand the game, the NCAA continues to try new things. Sports started as a local/regional affair that sought to gain popularity in a specific area. Teams would attempt to build their brand near and around their campus. Now, with the 24-hour sports cycle, the NCAA felt as though change was needed.
Fans Blast NCAA for Moving Iowa State/Kansas State Game to Ireland
The NCAA moved Notre Dame and Boston College games to the Emerald Isle in previous seasons. Those schools possess a strong connection to the country, and it appeared to make sense. Now, with the move of a Big 12 matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State, fans revolted online, lashing out at the college sports administrative body.
Kinda sucks we are being robbed from an elite atmosphere at one of these great venues to start the season.
— CHO (@KiNg_ChO2) August 15, 2025
“@CFBKings Kinda sucks we are being robbed from an elite atmosphere at one of these great venues to start the season.”
Manhattan, Kan., and Ames, Iowa, earned a reputation among fans for providing an entertaining atmosphere. However, both schools lose that home-field advantage in a rivalry that dates back to 1917, one of the NCAA’s oldest matchups.
Not sure why we’re ok with this game being in Ireland
— Mateer Muse (@MateerMuse) August 15, 2025
“@CFBKings Not sure why we’re ok with this game being in Ireland”
If this game were an interconference matchup, the neutral field would suit the team perfectly. However, some fans feel that the NCAA stripping this matchup away from a Big 12 locale is wrong.
Commercial good; game location bad
— Ruxin (@realRuxin) August 15, 2025
“@CFBKings Commercial good; game location bad”
The Big 12 deserves some recognition for its efforts in promoting the game through extensive media coverage. Yet, the point stands. Fans reject the location on its face.
This game should be played in Iowa or Kansas. Putting this game in Ireland is a blow to the local economies of these teams home town.
— Mr. Pop Tart (@FootballisKewl) August 15, 2025
“@CFBKings This game should be played in Iowa or Kansas. Putting this game in Ireland is a blow to the local economies of these teams home town.”
From a financial viewpoint, both Manhattan and Ames will endure a hit to their respective wallets. Separated by roughly 250 miles, fans from both schools would be able to make the drive between stadiums. Local bars and restaurants will miss out on a potentially big day with the influx of visitors.
No reason to be doing this
— TheBeefTrain (@TheBeefTrain_) August 15, 2025
“@CFBKings No reason to be doing this”
In this News 9 (Okla.) article, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark details an opportunity for global expansion. However, fans will question the game’s merits as it pertains locally.
This game will feature two of the better quarterbacks in the conference and all of FBS. Iowa State’s Rocco Becht threw for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns, adding eight rushing scores. Kansas State’s Avery Johnson leads an offense that averaged 30.8 points per game.
Last year, the two defenses combined to surrender just 10 second-half points, as Iowa State held on for the 29-21 home victory. If the game is close this year, will that make fans forget about the location?
