Sponsorship for this Saturday’s Emerald Isle Classic will cost the Irish tourism initiative, The Gathering over $750,000 (€600,000).

In June, the Naval Academy Athletic Association announced that The Gathering would be the Presenting Sponsor for the game.

The Gathering 2013 is a yearlong celebration of events that will range from small get-togethers to large scale music festivals, cultural and sporting events.

Áine Kavanagh, spokesperson for The Gathering 2013, told Journal.ie being the ‘presenting partner’ entitles the tourism body to certain broadcast opportunities.

The government agency is estimating the weekend game will give a $125 million (€100 million) boost to the Irish economy. Thousands of American tourists are expected to descend on Dublin ahead of the game in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

TV ads promoting Irish tourism, which will be broadcast throughout the game on CBS and ESPN are expected to reach an audience of three million people.

“The sponsorship provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase our Irish hospitality abroad and to inspire and excite people to be part of The Gathering Ireland in 2013." Jim Miley, Director for The Gathering said in June.

He added, “We are delighted that our first ever Gathering event is in association with such a prestigious organization and one that holds such strong and long lasting connections with Ireland.”