The National Football League has officially scheduled a groundbreaking regular-season matchup for the 2025 season: the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. This historic event marks the first time a regular-season NFL game will occur on Irish soil, marking a significant milestone in international expansion efforts.
YouTube: How Birds See Ireland
Croke Park Confirmed as Venue
Croke Park, Ireland’s largest stadium and the iconic home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), will host the game on Sunday, September 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (2:30 p.m. local time). Fans in the US can tune in via NFL Network while international viewers will have access through NFL Game Pass on DAZN and NFL+ streaming services.
Located in Dublin, Croke Park is a venue steeped in history. With a capacity exceeding 82,000, it has long been the centerpiece of Irish sports and culture. The stadium regularly hosts major Gaelic football and hurling finals and has previously welcomed major music acts and international events, including the 2023 Special Olympics ceremonies and a notable college football clash in 1996 between Notre Dame and Navy.
A Return to Familiar Ground
This will not be the Steelers’ first appearance at Croke Park. In 1997, they faced the Chicago Bears in a preseason exhibition as part of “The American Bowl,” winning that game and planting early seeds of American football interest among Irish fans.
However, the 2025 matchup with the Vikings represents a significant step up in prestige, as it will be the first regular-season contest ever played in Ireland. With heightened visibility comes increased interest in sports betting, with platforms like bonuses.com offering fans insights into the latest promotional offers tied to major international games.
Deep Irish Connections
The Steelers' connection to Ireland runs deep through the Rooney family, which has owned the team since its founding. The late Dan Rooney, former Steelers chairman, served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland between 2009 and 2012. He also co-founded The Ireland Funds, a philanthropic initiative focused on peace and culture.
His commitment to strengthening ties between the NFL and Ireland helped lay the groundwork for this upcoming game. The organization’s leadership has often acknowledged the symbolic importance of playing a meaningful NFL contest in Ireland, viewing it as a tribute to the team’s Irish heritage and a chance to build lasting bonds with a growing international fanbase.
Expanding the NFL's Global Footprint
Pittsburgh’s participation in this landmark event aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy of global growth. Under the league’s Global Markets Program, the Steelers were granted marketing rights for the island of Ireland in 2023. Since then, the franchise has established a consistent presence, organizing youth football clinics, team watch parties and hosting a 2025 NFL Draft celebration in Dublin.
This international outreach is part of a league-wide initiative to engage new audiences, promote grassroots development and cultivate a future generation of fans and players outside North America. The Steelers' ongoing efforts reflect a deliberate push to embed American football within Ireland’s modern sports culture.
Tomlin Highlights Cultural Significance
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has emphasized the cultural and symbolic value of the game, defining it as an opportunity to showcase American football to a new demographic. He also reflected on Dan Rooney’s legacy, recalling how Rooney would organize informal flag football games during his ambassadorship, underscoring his lifelong enthusiasm for the sport and its community-building potential.
The coaching staff and players are aware that this event extends beyond athletic competition; it furthermore represents a diplomatic and cultural exchange—one that fuses sporting traditions from both sides of the Atlantic. Tomlin and the team have expressed pride in carrying forward a vision that blends heritage, sport and international connection.
Growing Popularity in Ireland
Interest in the Steelers has been on a steady incline throughout Ireland. Since being designated as one of the league’s officially recognized teams in the region, Pittsburgh has actively cultivated its brand. Local fans have responded with zeal, flocking to events and merchandise promotions and engaging with the team on social media platforms.
The dedicated Ireland channel of the franchise, community events and consistent outreach have helped transform curiosity into a loyal following. Thus, the upcoming game provides an ideal opportunity to reinforce this momentum and engage fans partaking in the sport in person for the first time.
Ticket Sales and Registration
Fans eager to attend the matchup at Croke Park can register for ticket information through the league’s official portal at nfl.com/dublin. General ticket sales are expected to open later in the summer, with strong demand anticipated from both local Irish supporters and traveling fans from the United States and Europe.
With limited regular-season NFL games held internationally each year, tickets for this event are likely to sell quickly, especially given the cultural significance and rare venue. Early interest has already spiked online, signaling one of the most anticipated NFL events in Ireland’s sporting calendar.
NFL's Commitment to International Growth
This Dublin game is one of several 2025 International Games the NFL plans to stage. These events are designed to grow the sport's popularity abroad and build strategic partnerships and inspire new fan communities. Previous international matchups in London, Germany and Mexico City have drawn large crowds and increasing global television audiences.
The league's long-term vision includes nurturing local interest in American football while offering players, coaches and franchises the chance to perform on new and varied stages. As part of that strategy, the NFL continues to invest in local outreach and youth development initiatives in host countries.
