As the home of Gaelic Games (GAA) in Ireland, Croke Park is no stranger to high-stakes sporting entertainment. However, this weekend the action will take on a different hue. It’s out with the sliotars and in with the pigskin as the NFL comes calling to the Irish capital.
Sunday afternoon sees the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings take to the Croke Park pitch for the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Ireland. Sitting second in the AFC North and NFC North, respectively – and with the Steelers led by NFL legend Aaron Rodgers – this 2:30 pm matchup is one of the more eye-catching Week 4 fixtures.
What’s Happening?
In celebration of this historic event, and to give fans a fully immersive experience, the NFL has arranged a multi-day festival spread across the Irish capital. Supporters looking to sample the NFL craic can enjoy free fan zones, interactive games, live music, and player appearances. The streets around O’Connell Street and Croke Park are set to become a sea of black, gold, and purple.
With international fans flying into town, and the locals renowned for coming out for a big occasion, the event is expected to provide a big boost to local businesses and raise the international profile of the NFL. Those venturing out to grab a slice of the gridiron experience can look forward to the following:
- NFL Experience Dublin – Dublin Castle, 25-27 Sep
- Super Bowl Gallery – Dublin City Hall, 25-27 Sep
- Steelers’ Fan Tailgate – Merrion Square, 26 -28 Sep
- Steelers Team Pub – Fitzsimons Temple Bar, 26 -28 Sep
- Vikings Team Pub – J.R., Mahon’s Public House, 25-28 Sep
- NFL Shop – St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, 23-28 Sep
In the lead-up to the festivities, the event received the blessing of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, who stated, “I am delighted to welcome the NFL to our great city for the first time ever. We are so excited to have the Steelers and the Vikings come to visit us in Dublin, along with all their legions of fans. Of course, it’s not only the game itself that people can look forward to. Whether you have a ticket or you don’t, you can still take part in this series of free fan events across the city in the run-up to game day!”
Dublin the Latest Step in International Initiative
For almost two decades, the NFL has steadily increased its popularity in overseas markets. Wembley has held regular-season games since 2007, with Twickenham and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since joining the London party. In staging this first game, Ireland adds its name to a list of NFL host nations, which also includes Brazil, Germany, and Mexico.
Given the historic Irish-American ties and the nation’s renowned love of sport, Ireland is an obvious addition to this international tour. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gave his thoughts on the event, highlighting the Irish roots of the Pittsburgh Steelers owners, “We’re really excited. It’s a great market for us. Obviously, there’s a great connection in the United States with Ireland. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a specific connection also through their Rooney family.”
Global Gridiron
NFL fever has taken over Dublin 🏈
The Cam Bynum has reached Temple Bar 😂 pic.twitter.com/5VNMTOeFzI
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) September 23, 2025
The International Series of matches is a key strategic move with the aim of making the NFL a truly global sport, bringing associated business and revenue benefits. International games produce not only ticket sales income, but also lucrative media rights, sponsorship deals, and open up new markets to NFL merchandise.
So far, the International Series has tasted significant success in London, with games at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium frequently selling out. Attendance in other nations has also been strong – the 2025 clash between the Giants and the Panthers attracted over 70,000 fans to the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Dublin represents the next step in broadening the NFL’s appeal. Breaking into a country where rugby, football, and GAA dominate the sporting scene won’t be easy. However, the NFL is pulling out all the stops with a game in a prime-time Sunday slot, set to be broadcast to millions worldwide, and backed by a host of events and activities.
A One-Off Event, or the Beginning of a Lasting Relationship?
Whether the NFL can truly crack the Irish market remains to be seen. However, this weekend’s events will provide the league’s decision-makers with valuable information. If all goes well, it may not be long before Ireland joins London, Munich, and Mexico City as a regular stop on the NFL’s international calendar.