The Pittsburgh Steelers' dreams are finally coming true: they will get to play a regular season game at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. For years, there has been talk about the NFL playing a game on the Emerald Isle, but after many years of speculation, it is actually happening. Due to numerous factors, there are only a few teams that would be allowed to play against Pittsburgh in this particular contest, and there have been rumors about preferences and other supposed leaked games that would shorten that list even more.
Darren Kidd / Press Eye
Daniel Rooney (left), Kordell Stewart (right) and John Harte (center) Head of Policy and Innovation, meet in Ireland.
On Tuesday, the day before the full schedule release, the NFL has officially announced full details of the Ireland game. The Steelers will play host to the Minnesota Vikings during Week 4 according to a reputable NFL schedule account on X.
NFL SCHEDULE LEAK
— NFL Nerd (@NerdingonNFL) May 13, 2025
Vikings vs Steelers - Week 4 (Dublin) pic.twitter.com/yL6AM1mD3l
This will be the first game in Dublin since the Steelers played against the Chicago Bears in the 1997 preseason. While that was a special moment, the game itself was not all that enticing, as the game occurred in late July. That means the two teams were mostly playing their backups to make sure the starters would not get hurt in an exhibition game overseas.
Brendan Moran / Sportsfile
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears faced off in the 1997 preseason in the "American Series" in Dublin, Ireland.
Even though the game is very early in the season, the Steelers most likely will not have to deal with an early bye week. Many teams have opted to play a home game after their international contest, so that would most likely be the case for Pittsburgh this time around too. There may even be a home game the week before the team flies out east as well.
Steelers' Ireland Game Could Cause More Scheduling Concerns
Of course, the Steelers will be considered the home team in Dublin. If the Steelers do opt to play at Acrisure Stadium immediately after this contest, that means they would technically be playing three home games in a row. That would result in them having some sort of brutal road series later on in the season just to even everything out. The AFC has the extra home game in 2025, so that should help soften the blow a little bit.
Associated Press
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (left) greets Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell near midfield after a professional football game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Either way, this contest should be a memorable one for the Steelers and their fans. Ownership will get to honor their homeland while also honoring the late, great Dan Rooney. Croke Park will be electric with Terrible Towels waving all over the place as they show exactly how much the locals are in love with this American football team.
What do you think about the Steelers playing against Minnesota Vikings in Ireland early in the 2025 season? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation
