Iowa State Cyclones fans planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see their team play Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 23, 2025, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Many booked full travel packages through Cyclones2Ireland, which promised lodging, transport, event access, and premium game tickets.
The excitement turned into frustration when many fans missed the game or didn’t receive what they paid for. Some got no tickets. Others lost access to events. Refunds became a struggle, and confusion spread fast.
This article explains what went wrong, who was responsible, and how fans can seek refunds. If you were affected, this guide gives you clear steps and useful answers.
The Iowa State Game in Ireland: What Was the Plan?
Iowa State University promoted the 2025 Aer Lingus Classic with full support. The game matched Iowa State against Kansas State. It would be the first game of the season. The location made it special. Aviva Stadium in Dublin is world-class. College football fans rarely see their team play overseas. This was a big deal for players, coaches, and supporters.
The official game travel was managed under “Cyclones2Ireland.” That brand partnered with On Location Experiences. They offered packages that included:
- Round-trip air travel (optional)
- Hotel stays at 3-star and 4-star locations
- Game tickets with premium seating
- Pre-game tailgate events
- City tours and airport transfers
- Cyclones-themed gear and access to team gatherings
These packages were not cheap. Some fans paid over $4,000. But many believed it was worth it. Trusted vendors ran the promotion, including ties to Iowa State Athletics.
Travel documents and final schedules were sent out in the summer of 2025. Fans packed their bags and crossed the ocean. But when game day came, many faced a shock.
What Is Cyclones2Ireland and Who Runs It?
Cyclones2Ireland is the official travel program built for Iowa State fans attending the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin. It launched as a full-service package, offering game tickets, hotel stays, and access to Cyclones-themed events. On Location Experiences powered the program. They promised a high-end experience from booking to game day.
The travel site promoted add-ons like VIP tailgates, airport pickups, and Dublin city tours. The branding included Iowa State logos, emails, and promotional materials that made the offer feel directly linked to the university. This led many fans to believe the school backed the service completely.
Fans Missed the Game: What Went Wrong?
The exact details still vary. But reports suggest dozens of Iowa State fans missed the actual game. Some never received their tickets. Others did not get transport on time. In some cases, fans were stranded at the hotel. They had no guidance on how to get to the stadium. Others were dropped off far from the venue, without directions.
Some key problems shared online included:
- Missing or delayed ticket deliveries
- Miscommunication about pickup times or game-day schedules
- Unclear instructions about stadium entry
- Poor local support from the travel team
- No access to promised events or upgrades
Fans who paid for VIP packages felt ignored. Some had no seats. Others received lower-level seats than what they ordered. The worst part? The travel managers were hard to reach. Emails bounced. Phone calls went unanswered.
The game went on. Iowa State played well, but that didn’t help the fans outside the gates. For many, the whole trip was ruined.
Moments That Shaped the Crisis
Spring 2024: Cyclones2Ireland launches online. Fans start booking travel packages.
Summer 2024: Fans receive email confirmations and package details. Final payment deadlines are met.
July 2025: Travel documents, hotel info, and ticket access links begin rolling out.
August 20–22, 2025: Fans arrive in Dublin. Some receive incomplete instructions. Others wait for game details.
August 23, 2025 (Game Day): Dozens of fans report ticket failures. Shuttle services fail. Multiple fans miss the game entirely.
August 24–25, 2025: Complaints appear on forums, social media, and local Iowa news.
Following Weeks: Refund requests begin. On Location receives pressure but stays quiet. Fans struggle with chargebacks.
Ireland has long embraced global sports. Some of the country’s most celebrated athletic legends have made an impact abroad, as seen in this list of famous Irish sporting exports.
The Push for Refunds: What Fans Are Saying
Soon after the event, online forums and fan pages lit up. Fans shared stories about lost money and broken promises. Many asked for help. Some tried to file formal refund requests. A few got partial replies. But most received no help.
Refund requests included:
- Full package refunds due to missed access
- Ticket-only refunds due to missing or invalid seats
- Compensation for missed tailgates and events
- Travel-related losses (missed transport or lodging issues)
Some fans used credit cards to file chargebacks. Others reached out to On Location Experiences. A few contacted Iowa State Athletics directly. But no central response came. Each fan had to chase their own answers.
Was the University Responsible?
This is one of the biggest questions. Iowa State promoted the event. But it did not run the travel company. On Location Experiences handled the logistics. The school likely earned a branding fee or promotion credit. It did not manage ticket delivery or event planning in Dublin.
Still, fans argue that the school has a duty to support them. The university used its name and fan base to drive sales. Iowa State sent emails, posted updates, and directed fans to book early. That connection makes some fans feel the school should step in.
So far, no official Iowa State statement offers refunds. But the athletics department has taken calls and emails. Some fans say they felt heard. Others say they were referred back to On Location or told to contact customer service abroad.
The blame sits in a gray area. Travel companies can fail. But when fans trust a school-backed trip, they expect some safety net. That trust now feels broken.
The Hidden Partner Behind the Game
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is run by Irish American Events Ltd., not Iowa State or On Location. This group handles stadium permits, event coordination, and vendor licensing.
Their official website promoted the game and listed Cyclones2Ireland as the “Official Travel Partner” for Iowa State fans. That partnership may imply oversight, but in truth, they served more as hosts than problem-solvers.
No public statement from the Aer Lingus organizers addressed the refund issue. Their FAQ points back to individual schools and booking agents. That silence upset many fans.
Who Runs Cyclones2Ireland?
Cyclones2Ireland was the branded travel site used for Iowa State fans. It was powered by a company called On Location. That group is known for running travel packages tied to big games. They handled Super Bowl experiences, international bowl games, and team fan tours.
They are linked with Endeavor Group Holdings. This is a large media and events company. It owns several sports brands. They promise “premium experiences” and “unmatched access.” But that promise did not match the fan experience in Ireland.
Fans say the Cyclones2Ireland brand lacked updates. The website still lists packages. Contact forms remain live, but many fans say they got no reply. The lack of clear customer support has made things worse.
What Legal Rights Do Fans Have?
U.S. law protects consumers, but only in some ways. Since this was an international trip, many protections do not apply. Fans who bought travel insurance might have more rights. But the wording of the package agreement matters most.
Key legal factors include:
- Did the contract promise services that were not delivered?
- Did the buyer try to resolve the issue with the company?
- Was there fraud or unfair trade involved?
Chargebacks through credit cards offer the fastest path. Some banks allow disputes up to 90–120 days after the charge. Fans who acted quickly had better luck. But once that window closed, options shrank.
Legal action is possible. But small claims court has limits. And the travel company may be outside the state. That adds cost and delays.
Fans in groups may consider a class action. This type of legal case gathers claims into one large lawsuit. But that only works if many buyers join. It also takes time and a skilled lawyer.
What Fans Expected vs. What They Got
Many fans trusted the travel package because it promised a complete experience. But what they received did not match the offer. This side-by-side view shows how much the actual trip failed to meet expectations:
| Promised Feature | Actual Outcome |
|---|---|
| Premium stadium seating | Many fans got no seats or lower-level sections |
| Game tickets in advance | Tickets were missing, delayed, or never sent |
| Official Cyclones gear package | Items were not delivered or left out |
| Round-trip airport transfers | Some shuttles failed to arrive or got delayed |
| Pre-game tailgate event | Event location was unclear or canceled |
| Team gatherings and access | Fans missed scheduled meet-ups or were denied entry |
| Full schedule and instructions | Details came late or were incomplete |
| Support from local staff | Phones went unanswered, and staff were missing |
| All-in-one smooth experience | Confusion, long waits, and poor coordination |
This breakdown shows why so many fans asked for refunds. They didn’t just miss a game. They lost what they paid for and the memories they hoped to create.
What Did the Fine Print Say?
The refund policy for Cyclones2Ireland was not always easy to find. Many fans reported they never received a full copy until after booking. On Location’s general policy says packages are non-refundable unless the event is canceled. Even then, partial refunds may apply after fees.
Some fans mentioned a clause allowing substitutions or service adjustments. But there was no guarantee of refunds if the buyer missed the event due to logistics or vendor errors.
This policy leaves fans with limited protection. If your issue was a ticket not being delivered or transport not arriving, that may not qualify as a refund-worthy event under those terms. Only a few fans who had full insurance may have gotten anything back.
How to Ask for a Refund the Right Way
If you want a refund, start with these steps:
Gather All Documents
Save all emails, receipts, screenshots, and agreements. This includes booking confirmations, ticket PDFs, and schedule emails. Also save any chat messages or unanswered emails to the company.
Write a Clear Statement
List what you paid, what you received, and what went wrong. Keep the message short and polite. Avoid threats or anger. Focus on facts and timelines.
Contact the Company
Email or call the official support contact listed on Cyclones2Ireland or On Location’s website. Use the same email you used when booking.
Ask for a Specific Resolution
State what you want: a full refund, partial refund, credit, or other solution. Do not leave the request vague.
Use a Chargeback (if still possible)
If your bank allows, file a chargeback. Provide clear proof of failure. Mention that you tried to solve it with the company first.
Leave Reviews
Use trusted review sites or forums. Tell your story. This can help others avoid the same problem. It also adds pressure for better responses.
Fan Reactions
Many fans shared their stories on Reddit, Twitter (X), and Facebook groups. Some told of traveling across the ocean only to sit in a hotel on game day. Others described missed buses and silent hotlines.
Some used hashtags like #Cyclones2IrelandScam and #IowaStateIrelandFail. A few posted pictures of empty hands where tickets should have been. Videos surfaced showing angry fans outside the stadium.
Local Iowa news outlets also picked up the story. They interviewed fans and shared the refund battle. This media coverage helped raise awareness. But it has not yet forced a large response from the company.
Stories That Reveal the Real Damage
Many fans shared their disappointment online. Their stories offer a clearer picture of the problems.
One fan on Reddit said, “I got to Dublin, checked into the hotel, but my game ticket never arrived. No one picked up the support number. I missed everything.”
Another user on Facebook wrote, “We paid over $4,500 for the full VIP package. We were dropped at the wrong stadium gate. No event staff helped. We stood outside for hours.”
A post on X (formerly Twitter) read, “No seats. No shuttle. No tailgate. And no answers. This was supposed to be a memory for my kids. Now it’s just a mess.”
These personal accounts highlight more than just lost money. Fans lost trust. They lost memories. They returned home with nothing but stress and anger.
Did Other Schools Have the Same Issue?
The Aer Lingus Classic hosts different teams each year. Notre Dame, Nebraska, and others played in the past. Some fans from those years also faced complaints. But no scandal reached the level of Iowa State’s 2025 trip.
Kansas State fans attended the same game. Reports of major problems from that side remain low. That could be due to different package providers or better coordination. Iowa State fans seem to have faced the worst experience.
Other high-profile college matchups like Indiana vs. Notre Dame have also drawn attention in Ireland’s stadiums. You can see how those teams compare in this football stat breakdown.
Should Fans Trust Future Overseas Games?
This experience raises big questions. Overseas games offer charm. They attract attention. But they also bring risk. Travel companies hold a lot of control. Fans pay large amounts and expect world-class support.
If future games go overseas, fans may demand stronger guarantees. Clear refund rules. Better local support. And a promise from schools to help if something fails.
Events like these affect trust. Iowa State fans may think twice before booking through a third-party provider. The excitement of an overseas trip now feels less magical.
Tips That Could Save Your Next Trip
Never book high-cost trips without reading every detail. Always request written guarantees, especially when events happen abroad.
- Use credit cards, not debit. Chargebacks give stronger buyer rights.
- Research the travel company. Look for past reviews.
- Confirm what happens if delays, cancellations, or vendor errors affect your access.
- Use travel insurance that includes trip interruption coverage.
- Save all receipts, emails, and support chats.
Do not assume a school logo means protection. Many third-party travel vendors license school brands but operate with little direct oversight.
Conclusion
The 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic started with hope. Fans believed in the trip. They trusted the vendors. Many saved for months. They wore their Cyclones gear with pride in Dublin. But a large number came home with regret.
They missed the game. They lost money. Some still wait for replies. This refund crisis taught fans a hard truth. Not every official package guarantees a smooth ride. Not every event ends with a win, even off the field.
Fans deserve better. When schools promote travel events, they must ensure vendor quality. Refunds should be fair. Customer service must stay strong, even after the event ends.
If you were affected, stay firm. Gather proof. Keep asking. You may still recover some costs. If you plan a future trip, learn from this case. Ask tough questions. Read the fine print. Choose wisely.
Iowa State’s fan base is loyal and strong. This setback should not break that spirit. But it should push for change. Fans want more than football. They want fair treatment. And they deserve it.
Common Questions
Q1: Can I still request a refund from Cyclones2Ireland or On Location?
A: You can try, but most requests go unanswered. Credit card disputes may work better.
Q2: Did Iowa State offer any refund help?
A: The university has not offered compensation but has responded to some emails.
Q3: What if I bought the package through another travel site?
A: You must contact that vendor. Cyclones2Ireland may not cover third-party buyers.
Q4: Is a class-action lawsuit possible?
A: It could happen if enough fans come together. Legal action takes time and a lawyer.
Q5: Will future games offer safer travel plans?
A: That depends on pressure from fans. Demand clear refund policies and better support.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not give legal, financial, or travel advice. Please contact a licensed professional for specific hel
