NEW ORLEANS — Dublin is set to host Ireland’s inaugural NFL regular-season game when the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field at the renowned Croke Park in 2025, as announced by the league earlier this week. This announcement comes just days before the Super Bowl clash between the Chiefs and Eagles.

Dublin joins Madrid and Berlin as new locations for NFL games, reflecting the league’s effort to broaden its international reach. Earlier this week, it was revealed that an NFL game will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia in 2026.

The Steelers have a rich connection to Ireland and maintain a partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association, which oversees Croke Park, the country’s primary athletic stadium. Details about the date and the Steelers’ opponent are expected to be shared in the coming spring.

“The enthusiasm for bringing a regular-season game to Ireland with the Steelers is palpable, and it’s primarily about creating a wonderful experience for the fans,” remarked Peter O’Reilly, NFL’s executive vice president for international events. “Irish fans travel to games abroad, but this event will be on home soil at Dublin’s Croke Park, presenting a unique chance to foster an incredible game environment.”

Next season, the Steelers are scheduled to host the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns among other teams like the Bills, Dolphins, Packers, Vikings, Colts, and Seahawks.

O’Reilly explained, “The selection of the Steelers’ opponent will follow our standard scheduling process this spring. While I can’t share specific details at this moment, it’s clear that many teams are eager to be part of this landmark event. This represents a significant breakthrough in a market that many are thrilled about.”

Starting in the 2025 season, the NFL could schedule up to eight regular-season games in international locations. London will feature three games next season, with the Browns and Jets taking on opponents at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Jets appearing for a match at Wembley Stadium. The Colts will host a game in Berlin at the Olympic Stadium, while the Dolphins will be the home team for a game at the Bernabeu, the stadium of Spain’s Real Madrid.

The league is also exploring the idea of having a team play consecutively in different European cities.

Previously, the Steelers faced the Bears in a preseason match at Croke Park in 1997, which boasts a capacity exceeding 82,000. College football events in Ireland can be traced back to the 1980s, including notable games like Notre Dame versus Navy in 1996 and Penn State playing UCF in 2014. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has been held at Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the past three years, with Kansas State set to clash with Iowa State on August 23.

“Our strategy for global expansion focuses on promoting the sport at all levels,” O’Reilly stated. “The collaboration with college football in Dublin has shown positive progress, and it has been beneficial overall.”

The Rooney family, who established and still owns the Steelers, has strong ties to Ireland, originating from Newry in County Down before emigrating to Canada and then to the United States in the 1800s. The late Daniel M. Rooney served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012, and the family continues to nurture close connections with the country.

“Growing up under the guidance of my grandfather and father, I learned about our family’s deep-rooted connection to Ireland and the importance it holds for us,” shared Daniel Martin Rooney, the son of Steelers president Art Rooney II and currently the team’s director of business development. “This opportunity truly represents a dream fulfilled for our franchise.”

As part of the league’s Global Markets Program, the Steelers hold marketing rights in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, allowing them to host events and establish commercial agreements in those areas.

The franchise has cultivated a fan base on the island through its collaboration with the Gaelic Athletic Association, which oversees and promotes traditional Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling. This association has significant historical importance in relation to Irish independence and continues to enjoy a strong influence in Irish society.

While Ireland is one of the smallest international markets the NFL has penetrated, the potential is vast.

“We’re immensely focused on promoting American football,” Daniel Rooney concluded. “We plan to bring alumni and Steelers legends, as well as current players, to Ireland before next year’s game, with more exciting announcements on the horizon.”