DSM Celtic Fan Experience 2025

Case Study: DSM Celtic Fan Trip – August 2025

Client: Global Sports Experiences
 Event: DSM Celtic Fan Trip to Glasgow
 Date: July 30 - August 2, 2025
 Participants: 11 Celtic FC fans from Des Moines, Iowa
 Destination: Dublin Ireland, | Glasgow, Scotland

“From the stadium tour to singing 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' with 60,000 others, to exploring my husband’s family roots…  it was a dream come true.”

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The Details

  • In early 2025, Global Sports Experiences (GSE) was approached by DSM Celtic, an adult league and Celtic supporters’ group based in Des Moines, Iowa. The objective: to create an unforgettable fan trip to Glasgow, offering an authentic matchday experience at Celtic Park, cultural immersion in Scotland, and meaningful community engagement with local fans.

    The trip was designed to:

    • Deepen fans’ connection to Celtic FC
      • Create a more authentic connection to the club that their local adult soccer league was named after 
    • Reward loyal supporters with exclusive access
    • Create unique and authentic experiences that are both culturally significant and reflective of the global football community 

    Execution: 

    • Global Sports Experiences deepened the DSM Celtic fan connection to FC Celtic by curating an immersive six-day journey through Ireland and Scotland that allowed supporters to experience the region like true locals. More than just sightseeing, the trip was rooted in purpose—it was important that fans not only celebrated the club’s legacy but also understood its storied origins. They learned about the humble beginnings of Celtic FC, born out of religious persecution, famine, and poverty, and founded as a way to feed and support Glasgow’s poor Irish Catholic community. The journey included visits to historic sites, interactions with former players and coaches, and an emotional walk through the streets of Glasgow, guided by a former club liaison- where fans met local supporters, sampled neighborhood pubs, and felt the soul of the city. Tying it all together was the special presentation of a customized Celtic FC jersey and attendance of Celtic FC’s Flag Day match vs. St. Mirren’s to mark the launch of the 2025/26 season, creating a deeply personal and unforgettable connection to the club’s past, present, and future.

The trip required six months of careful planning. GSE coordinated:

  • Airfare: Round-trip group flight from Dublin to Glasgow

  • Accommodation: 2 night stay at Arthuas Dublin + 3 night stay at Glasgow Social Hub

  • Transportation: Uber + Bus + Train

  • Celtic FC Fan Access:
    • Opening Match Day tickets to Celtic FC v St. Mirren FC
    • Stadium Tour + Premium hospitality meal 
    • Match Day pub tour  w/ former Celtic FC staff member
    • Customized authentic first team jersey 
  • Day 1: Arrival + Guinness Storehouse tour + Adult Friendly vs. St. Kevin’s

  • Day 2: Dublin City Bus Tour + Teelings Distillery + Dinner in Howth

  • Day 3: Travel to Glasgow + Celtic Park Stadium Tour + Group Dinner at Park

  • Day 4: Walking match day tour of Glasgow + Celtic FC Home Opener vs. St. Mirren FC

  • Day 5: Day trip to Edinburgh (via Train) for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Comedy Fest)

  • Day 6: Return flight to Dublin + International Departures to US
  • Installment Payments: GSE provides the convenience of paying via installment to ensure flexibility and ease of payment for our travelers.
  • Financial Assistance and Scholarships: GSE offers a fundraising option through our registration platform which provides a GoFundMe type option.

Trip Highlights:

  • Celtic Park Access: Locker room tour, pitchside photos, Q&A with a club historian, plus dinner at the premium Number 7 Restaurant.
  • Matchday Experience: Group seating, custom jerseys, participation in the tifo, and a front-row view of Celtic’s 1–0 win.
  • Culture & Libations: Visits to three cities with guided tours, brewery/distillery stops, and plenty of time to explore pubs and restaurants.
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Conclusion

The DSM Celtic Fan Trip delivered by Global Sports Experiences in August 2025 set a new product available for soccer-focused travel from the U.S. With high fan satisfaction, brand growth engagement, and an operational execution that can easily be replicated, the trip demonstrated the power of football to unite global communities—and the potential for future expansion within the Celtic market.

Trip Feedback

Chris B., DSM Celtic, League Manager

“Thank you again for all the help bringing the Celtic Trip together. Everyone has been reflecting on the trip fondly and telling their stories. I appreciate you being able to take my idea and run with it and I am glad we were able to find a fun group to go on the adventure. There have also been a lot of folks who regret not making the trip! Thank you ”

Melody S., DSM Celtic, first-time international traveler

“From the stadium tour to singing 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' with 60,000 others, to exploring my husband’s family roots…  it was a dream come true.”

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