- Lifestyle & Sports
- 07 Feb 25
“This is a major vote of confidence in Ireland’s ability to host world class events,” said Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan
The NFL is set to host its first in-season game in Ireland, with The Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Dublin's Croke Park.
The announcement was made ahead of the Super Bowl this Sunday in New Orleans, where the Kansas City Chiefs will play against the Philadelphia Eagles in one of the world's largest sporting events.
The Steelers and The Chicago Bears are the only two NFL teams to have played in Ireland - having played against each other in a pre-season match for the American Bowl in 1997.
“We are delighted to officially bring a regular-season NFL game to Ireland as part of our 2025 International Games slate,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL’s executive vice president of international league events and club business.
“Both the NFL and the Steelers franchise have deep roots and history in Ireland,” he continued. “And we’re looking forward to making our regular-season debut in Dublin, bringing our game to a large and passionate Irish fan base and underlining the NFL’s commitment to global growth.”
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President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, welcomed the NFL’s decision to host the game in Dublin, saying:
“Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland’s rich sporting heritage, and hosting one of the world’s best sporting organizations is a momentous occasion for the entire country.”
Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said the game will have “huge benefits” for the tourism industry, as well as a boost to the wider economy.
The opposing team, date, and kick off time will be revealed later this spring, along with the full season schedule