The Pittsburgh Steelers will play a regular season NFL game at Croke Park later this year.
Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President International, confirmed on Friday afternoon that Dublin is to become the latest city to stage an international NFL game – following the likes of London, Mexico City, Munich, Frankfurt, and São Paulo.
The Steelers played the Chicago Bears in a pre-season game at Croke Park in July 1997, and while GAA headquarters and the Aviva Stadium have both hosted college American Football matches over the years, this will be the first regular season NFL fixture to take place in Ireland.
“Both the NFL and the Steelers franchise have deep roots and history in Ireland, 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,” stated O’Reilly.
It has been speculated the Green Bay Packers are to be Pittsburgh’s opponents for the historic Croke Park match – though that that was not confirmed in Friday’s announcement. The game is expected to take place between September and November of this year. The full NFL fixtures are not due to be finalised until April-May.
In 2023, the Steelers attained the NFL marketing rights for the island of Ireland through the League’s Global Markets Program – effectively a strategy to grow the game globally by allowing franchises build their brand by targeting designated countries and fanbases.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded by Art Rooney in 1933 and the franchise has remained in family hands ever since. The Rooney family have strong Irish roots that originate in Newry, Down. Dan Rooney, Art’s son and a former owner of the Steelers, was United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012.
“We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular season game to be played in Ireland this upcoming season,” said Steelers’ president Art Rooney II.
“The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there, but also to play in front of the growing number of Steelers fans in Ireland.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the fifth oldest franchise in the NFL and share top spot in the roll of honour alongside the New England Patriots – both having won the Super Bowl on six occasions.
The event will take place in partnership with the Irish Government and Dublin City Council.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Croke Park,” said GAA president Jarlath Burns.
“This event will not only highlight our stadium’s world-class facilities but also reinforce the connections and love of sport shared between our communities. Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland’s rich sporting heritage, and hosting one of the world’s best sporting organisations is a momentous occasion for the entire country.
“It will be a special and unique event, celebrating the passion uniting two great sporting codes in the heart of Dublin.”
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