NFL story: Pittsburgh Steelers play in Croke Park Dublin in 2025!

NFL story: Pittsburgh Steelers play in Croke Park Dublin in 2025!

An exciting message for all football fans: The NFL will play a regular game of the season in Europe for the first time in 2025. As the US football league announced, the game will take place in the historic Croke Park, the largest stadium of Ireland and home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). With the Pittsburgh Steelers there is a traditional club on the square that not only connects history with Ireland, but is also emotionally bound to the island. The President and owner of the Steelers, Art Rooney II, has roots in Newry, Northern Ireland, and his father, Daniel M. Rooney, was US ambassador in Ireland from 2009 to 2012. This connection to Ireland makes the upcoming event particularly important.

a historical moment for the NFL and Ireland

"We are pleased to bring a regular NFL game to Ireland as part of our international games in 2025," said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Vice President for International Affairs. This will not only be the first regular game of the season in Ireland, but it also shows the commitment of the NFL for the global growth of American football. The Steelers completed a Preseason game against the Chicago Bears in Croke Park in 1997 and thus continue a tradition that now reaches a new highlight.

The event is supported by the Irish government and the city council of Dublin. Minister Patrick O’Donovan described the game as "a great confirmation of Ireland's ability to organize events of world rank." It is expected that the game not only brings high tourist and economic advantages, but also further strengthens the deep cultural and economic connections between Ireland and the USA. The exact opponent and the season will be announced when the NFL schedule for 2025 is published, but the anticipation for this unique event is already great.

"This event will not only show the excellent facilities of our stadium, but also illustrate the passion for sport in our communities," emphasized GAA President Jarlath Burns. The Croke Park, with a rich story in the execution of important sporting events, will open its doors to American football fans from all over the world, and numerous fans are looking forward to experiencing the Steelers live. Further details regarding the partnership between the Steelers and Aer Lingus will also be announced soon, which increases the anticipation for this historical game.