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In an unprecedented move that combines American football with Irish culture, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to play in Dublin, Ireland, in 2025 according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
This marks a significant moment in NFL history, as the league continues its push to globalize the sport and bring its thrilling games to international audiences. Here's everything you need to know about this historic event and what it means for the team, the league, and the fans.
Dublin isn't new to hosting high-profile American football games. Ireland's love for sports, combined with its vibrant culture, makes it a prime location for an NFL game. The Steelers' Irish connection runs deep, too. Pittsburgh's heritage is steeped in Irish-American culture, and the Rooney family, which owns the Steelers, has strong ties to Ireland. Dan Rooney, the late owner of the team, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012 and was a passionate advocate for strengthening ties between the two nations.
Steelers President Art Rooney II said earlier this year that he does expect an international game soon, hoping it will be in Ireland.
"We’re hoping that sometime soon we’ll be playing another game in Ireland. We played back in the ’90s, it was a preseason game. We expect next time we play a game in Ireland it will probably be a regular-season game. And who knows, it could be one of these years coming up soon," Rooney said earlier this year.
Hosting an NFL game in Dublin is a natural extension of this relationship, offering Irish fans an up-close view of a sport that has been steadily growing in popularity across Europe.
Speculation is rife that the Steelers will face the Green Bay Packers, a team with a storied history and strong international appeal. Regardless of the opponent, the game promises to be a spectacle, blending American football's hard-hitting action with Dublin's unique flair.
The game is scheduled to take place at Croke Park, a historic venue located in the heart of Dublin. With a seating capacity of over 82,000, the stadium is expected to be filled with both die-hard Steelers fans traveling from the U.S. and local Irish fans eager to experience the NFL live.
The event is slated for the fall of 2025, making it a perfect centerpiece for an autumn trip to Ireland. The exact date will be announced in the coming months, but excitement is already building.
Expect a full weekend of festivities, including fan events, meet-and-greets with players, and cultural exchanges. The NFL has a history of turning its international games into celebrations of sport and culture, and this event will be no different.
Irish fans will have the chance to learn more about American football through interactive experiences, while visiting fans will get a taste of Ireland's rich history and vibrant traditions. Imagine a tailgate party with Guinness and traditional Irish music—a perfect fusion of the two worlds.
Sports Fans Travel is excited to host the black and gold in Dublin in 2025 - place your deposit here to secure your spot!