It’s only right that my first article contribution on the site is by sharing the worst kept secret in NFL circles and that is that the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to Dublin in 2025, the first regular season game to ever be played in Ireland.
Since the first ever NFL International Series game came to the UK in 2007 with the Dolphins hosting the Giants, there has been a desire within Ireland to want to see something similar played here. Then in 2012, Dublin hosted Notre Dame v Navy in front of a sellout at the Aviva Stadium. American Football was planting its flag firmly in Dublin, and the Irish fans were hungry for more.
News about a game being played in Ireland has been doing the rounds since 2023 when the Steelers were granted the rights to Ireland through the NFL’s Global Market Program. It made too much sense. The historical links with the Rooney family’s origins as well as Dan Rooney’s role as US ambassador to Ireland showed an obvious connection. Since 2023, the Steelers have hosted a number of kicking clinics, fan engagement sessions and had current and former players attend Steelers events across the island.
Over the past few weeks there were even more rumblings that this was going to happen in 2025. Preliminary talks were being had with the Steelers and the Irish Government to look at how this would work. Reconnaissance missions involving staff at Croke Park attending NFL games in the US to see how this could be replicated were happening in secret. Everyone kept quiet, but the rumours continued.
Finally, on the 7th of Feb it was formally announced, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be coming to Dublin, and to Croke Park of all places. Dublin has a very proud reputation of hosting sporting events and this has all the makings of being one of the best to date. Already people are looking at hotels, flights, even before dates have been announced. I believe some listeners to the pod have even booked 3 months worth of hotels and hoping it’s one of those weekends, I just pray you remember to cancel those bookings before the free cancellation date!
To have it hosted at Croke Park too is special – the jewel in the crown of Irish stadia, where history surrounds you. An arena which holds over 82,000 fans will become a sea of Black and Gold for one special day. On a personal level, I am delighted to have so many people visiting my home city. As a proud Dub, nothing can top welcoming Steeler Nation to Baile Átha Cliath.
The boys at UKSP HQ are busy planning away events we are looking to be involved in, and want you to join with us. There will be many a Guinness consumed. There will be some craic had. Let this be the first of many Steelers games we get to experience on this side of the pond. If you have any questions about Dublin, you know where to find me!
Go raibh míle maith agaibh a chairde
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