In a groundbreaking announcement, the NFL has unveiled plans for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play a regular-season game in Dublin, Ireland, at the historic Croke Park in 2025. This will mark the first time Irish soil will host an NFL regular-season game, expanding the league's international presence and bringing excitement to the Emerald Isle.
Dublin joins Madrid and Berlin as first-time hosts for next season, as the NFL broadens its global footprint. Following an earlier announcement regarding a 2026 game at Melbourne Cricket Ground, the NFL is keen on thrilling fans worldwide.
With a deep-rooted connection to Ireland, the Steelers have long fostered a strong partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association, which oversees Croke Park, Ireland's principal national stadium. The exact date and opposing team for this landmark event will be revealed in the spring, further heightening anticipation.
The excitement of bringing a regular-season game to Ireland with the Steelers is palpable, especially given our aimed focus on local fans, declared Peter O'Reilly, NFL's Executive Vice President for International Events. Irish fans often travel to catch games in London or Germany, but hosting a game in Dublin provides a rare and thrilling opportunity for them to witness NFL action firsthand.
Next season, the Steelers will host games against AFC North rivals such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns, along with other formidable teams like the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks.
Though specifics about the Steelers' opponent in Dublin are yet to be disclosed, there's significant interest from various clubs drawn to this historic event. As part of its international expansion, the NFL plans up to eight regular-season games internationally as of 2025.
London will host three games next season, with the Browns and Jets playing home games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Jets also scheduled for Wembley Stadium. Meanwhile, Berlin and Madrid are primed for their own thrilling encounters, with the Colts and Dolphins serving as hosts respectively.
Notably, the Steelers previously participated in a 1997 preseason match against the Bears at Croke Park. The venue, capable of accommodating over 82,000 fans, has also been a focal point for college football, dating back to the inaugural Emerald Isle Classic of the late 1980s. Notre Dame faced Navy here in 1996, and more recently, the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic has been hosted at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
The Rooney family's Irish heritage plays a significant role in this venture. With familial ties tracing back to Newry, County Down, the Steelers' ownership has maintained a strong and enduring connection to Ireland—a legacy that continues to inspire their engagement with Irish fans.
Daniel Martin Rooney emphasized, Growing up, the lesson was always clear—our connection to Ireland is profound. Bringing a game here is indeed a dream realized for our franchise and a testament to that bond. The Steelers are also committed to deepening their fan base through Ireland and Northern Ireland via the league's Global Markets Program, which permits teams to organize events and commercial engagements in specific regions.
This eagerly anticipated event is set to boost American football's popularity in Ireland, with plans for visitations by past and current Steelers players to further enrich fan experience before the big day arrives. The collaboration between the NFL and the Gaelic Athletic Association promises to create a lasting impact on both sports communities.
