Dublin is set to host an unprecedented event in Irish sport: its first-ever NFL regular-season game. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the iconic Croke Park will witness a clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. This landmark occasion marks a new chapter for American football in Ireland. It solidifies Dublin’s position among major international sporting cities. The game kicks off at 2:30 PM BST (9:30 AM ET). This event is more than a game; it is a homecoming, a massive cultural celebration, and a significant moment for the NFL’s global expansion. Anticipation is “off the charts,” according to NFL executive vice-president Peter O’Reilly.
A Homecoming Decades in the Making
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ presence in Dublin holds profound historical significance. The team, founded in 1933 by Art Rooney, maintains deep ancestral ties to Ireland. The Rooney family’s ancestors emigrated from Newry in the 1840s. This enduring connection fueled a long-held ambition to bring the NFL back to Irish soil.
NFL broadcaster Michael McQuaid, host of the Irish Steelers Podcast, highlighted the emotional impact of the game’s announcement at the Super Bowl. He called it “really special.” He felt it resonated deeply with countless Irish fans. The Steelers previously played a pre-season game, “The American Bowl,” at Croke Park in 1997. They beat the Chicago Bears before a crowd of over 25,000. This current regular-season fixture represents the “encapsulation of the ‘American Dream’.” It signifies a powerful return for a family whose journey began nearly two centuries ago. Steelers President Art Rooney II emphasizes how “truly special” this event is for his family and for fans. The late Dan Rooney, former Steelers chairman and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, dedicated himself to fostering American football in Ireland. His legacy adds a poignant layer to this historic return.
Dublin Embraces a “Mini Super Bowl” Spectacle
Dublin is preparing for an immersive week-long festival of NFL football. Over 30,000 international visitors are expected to descend upon the city. Many will come without game tickets, simply to soak in the atmosphere. The NFL itself describes the event as “a mini Super Bowl coming to town.” This underlines the scale and excitement surrounding the game.
The NFL estimates 350,000 fans already reside on the island of Ireland. This passionate fanbase eagerly awaits the Vikings-Steelers showdown. Henry Hodgson, General Manager of NFL UK and Ireland, anticipates Dublin will “totally embrace” the event. He envisions NFL jerseys flooding iconic spots like Temple Bar. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, expressed delight. He noted that extensive free fan events ensure everyone can partake in the festivities. Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD stated, “Dublin is hyped up,” ready to offer a traditional “céad míle fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes).
Beyond the Game: A Week of Fan Festivities
The NFL has orchestrated an impressive array of free fan events across Dublin. These activities begin on Thursday, September 25, leading up to Sunday’s game. They transform the city into a vibrant hub of American football culture.
Key events include:
NFL Experience Dublin: Located at Dublin Castle (Sept 25-27, 10 am-6 pm daily). This festival features skill challenges, flag football, and chances to win prizes, including Super Bowl LX tickets.
NFL Shop: Found at St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center (Sept 23-29). It offers merchandise from all 32 NFL teams. Fans can also enjoy player signings and customization services.
NFL’s Super Bowl Gallery: Hosted at Dublin City Hall (Sept 25-27, 10 am-6 pm). Visitors can view all 59 Super Bowl rings alongside the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Both participating teams are also hosting dedicated fan gatherings:
Pittsburgh Steelers Tailgate: Merrion Square will host a three-day tailgate (Sept 26-28). It features entertainment, NFL legend appearances, and a watch party on Sunday for non-ticketholders. Fitzsimons Temple Bar will transform into a “Black & Gold hub” for Steelers Nation.
- Minnesota Vikings Hub: J.R. Mahon’s public house and brewery will welcome Vikings fans. It will also broadcast the game live for those without stadium tickets.
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These events showcase the NFL’s commitment to creating a “true city takeover” experience.
Croke Park: A Hallowed Ground for American Football
The choice of Croke Park as the venue adds another layer of prestige to the NFL Dublin game. Located on the northern side of the city, it is Ireland’s largest stadium, boasting a capacity of 82,300. Owned by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Croke Park is the spiritual home of Gaelic sports. It hosts major events like the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Beyond Gaelic games, Croke Park has a rich history of hosting international spectacles. It welcomed a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Al “Blue” Lewis in 1972. Major concerts, including Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones, have also graced its stage. The stadium previously hosted a college American football game in 2014. Its playing surface is a hybrid of natural grass reinforced with synthetic fibers. This ensures an optimal field for the NFL’s elite athletes. Its grandeur will provide an unforgettable backdrop for this historic fixture.
The Terrible Towel Takes Dublin
The Pittsburgh Steelers bring with them one of the most distinctive fan traditions in sports: the “Terrible Towel.” These small yellow rally towels are iconic symbols of Steelers fandom. They were introduced during the team’s 1976 Super Bowl winning season.
To commemorate the Dublin game, a special edition Terrible Towel has been produced. It features the Irish tricolour flag. Michael McQuaid referred to this as a “historical item.” Former Steelers player Max Starks has toured Ireland, distributing these towels to local fans. During the game, especially at the start of the fourth quarter, fans traditionally wave them. The sight of 76,000 fans waving these towels at Croke Park will be a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. A dedicated Steelers shop has also opened in Dublin, remaining open all season. It offers team merchandise, including these famous towels.
Player Spotlight: Stars on the Irish Stage
The game itself promises an electrifying display of NFL talent. Fans will witness some of the league’s brightest stars. For the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a key attraction. He is known for his dynamic playmaking ability.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have significantly bolstered their roster, adding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, a four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), signed a one-year deal before the new season. His presence elevates the Steelers’ offensive capabilities. Watching these elite players compete in such a historic setting will be a highlight for many. This pairing of a storied franchise with an iconic venue ensures a memorable sporting event.
NFL’s Global Playbook: Ireland’s Role in Expansion
The NFL Dublin game is a crucial component of the league’s ambitious global expansion strategy. The 2025 season features a record seven international regular-season games across five different countries. These include new venues in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Berlin, Germany; and Madrid, Spain. The league aims to become a “truly global sport.” It seeks to cultivate sustainable and passionate fan bases worldwide.
While there is no guarantee of annual NFL games in Dublin, the potential is clear. The NFL will carefully assess the success and impact of Sunday’s event. Other major franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers, are also hosting events in Dublin. The Chiefs have publicly expressed interest in playing in Ireland. Commissioner Roger Goodell envisions expanding the international slate even further, potentially to 16 games annually. If the Dublin game lives up to its immense hype, it could solidify Ireland’s place as a recurring host for the NFL International Series, mirroring London’s established role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of the Steelers playing in Dublin?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have deep ancestral ties to Ireland, with the Rooney family (the team’s owners since 1933) emigrating from Newry in the 1840s. This regular-season game in Dublin on September 28, 2025, represents a powerful “homecoming” and the “encapsulation of the ‘American Dream'” for the family. It follows a pre-season “American Bowl” game played by the Steelers in Croke Park in 1997. This event is seen as a “new chapter” for Irish sport, bringing a major American football fixture to the home of Gaelic games for the first time in a regular season.
What fan events are planned in Dublin for the NFL game week?
Dublin will host a week-long festival of NFL football, with numerous free fan events. Key attractions include the “NFL Experience Dublin” at Dublin Castle, offering skill challenges and prizes (Sept 25-27). The official “NFL Shop” at St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center (Sept 23-29) will sell merchandise and host player signings. The “NFL’s Super Bowl Gallery” at Dublin City Hall (Sept 25-27) will display Super Bowl rings and the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Additionally, the Steelers will host a three-day tailgate at Merrion Square (Sept 26-28), and both teams will have designated pub hubs for fans.
Will the NFL host annual regular-season games in Dublin after this event?
While the NFL has not guaranteed annual games in Dublin, there is significant potential. The league will meticulously assess the success and impact of the September 28, 2025 game. This fixture is part of a record-setting 2025 international slate, and the NFL is actively pursuing global expansion, with other teams like the Kansas City Chiefs already expressing interest in playing in Ireland. If the Dublin game meets the high expectations for fan engagement and operational success, it could establish the city as a recurring host for the NFL International Series, similar to London’s long-standing arrangement.
A Lasting Impact on Irish Sport
The NFL Dublin game represents a watershed moment for both the National Football League and Irish sport. It brings a world-class sporting event to a passionate local fanbase and an eager international audience. The blend of rich Irish heritage with the spectacle of American football promises an unforgettable experience. From the Rooney family’s homecoming to the city-wide celebrations, Dublin is ready for a massive “city takeover.” This event will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, potentially cementing Ireland’s place on the global NFL map for years to come. The excitement and demand are indeed “off the charts.”
