NFL to Make History with First-Ever Regular Season Game in Dublin’s Croke Park
The National Football League (NFL) is set to make history in 2025 as it brings its first-ever regular-season game to Dublin, Ireland.
In a landmark moment for both American football and Irish sports, Croke Park, Ireland’s largest sporting venue, will host the highly anticipated matchup, marking a major milestone in the league’s global expansion efforts.
Pittsburgh Steelers to Represent the NFL in Dublin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been chosen to participate in this historic game, deepening their already strong ties with Ireland. The Steelers’ president, Art Rooney II, has ancestral roots in County Down, and his father, Dan M. Rooney, previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland.
This, however, is not the franchise’s first visit to Croke Park. Back in 1997, the Steelers played a preseason game in Dublin against the Chicago Bears as part of the American Bowl series. However, the 2025 contest will mark the first time an official NFL regular-season game is played on Irish soil.
This milestone event is made possible through partnerships with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council, underlining Ireland’s growing role in hosting major international sporting events.
Croke Park: A Venue Steeped in History
Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), is best known for its legendary Gaelic football and hurling finals. However, it has also welcomed international events, including a college football game between Notre Dame and Navy in 1996, and concerts from global superstars such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift.
GAA President Jarlath Burns expressed his excitement about the upcoming game, stating the following:
“Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland’s sporting heritage, and hosting one of the world’s best sporting organizations is a momentous occasion for the entire country.”
NFL’s Growing Presence in Ireland
The Dublin game is a reflection of the NFL’s increasing efforts to engage Irish fans. Under the league’s Global Market Program (GMP), Ireland has been designated as an official market for three NFL teams: the Steelers, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Additionally, the NFL has been expanding its grassroots presence in Ireland, with youth flag football gaining traction. In 2024, Dublin’s Green Lanes School won the first-ever NFL Flag National Championship in Ireland, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the NFL Pro Bowl Games.
The NFL’s Global Expansion Continues
The 2025 Dublin game is part of the NFL’s broader international expansion, with additional regular-season games set to take place in London, Berlin, and Madrid. Looking ahead, the league has also confirmed plans to play its first game in Melbourne, Australia, in 2026.
As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the official schedule announcement this spring, which will confirm the Steelers’ opponent and game date.
Regardless of the matchup, the Dublin game is poised to be a defining moment in the NFL’s international journey, bringing the excitement of American football to one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues.
Bet on NFL Games Online at Bet442
With the NFL reaching new corners of the globe, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Whether you’re backing the Steelers in their historic Dublin showdown or following the action throughout the season, Bet442 brings you the latest odds, expert insights, and a wide range of betting options.
The National Football League (NFL) is set to make history in 2025 as it brings its first-ever regular-season game to Dublin, Ireland.
In a landmark moment for both American football and Irish sports, Croke Park, Ireland’s largest sporting venue, will host the highly anticipated matchup, marking a major milestone in the league’s global expansion efforts.
Pittsburgh Steelers to Represent the NFL in Dublin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been chosen to participate in this historic game, deepening their already strong ties with Ireland. The Steelers’ president, Art Rooney II, has ancestral roots in County Down, and his father, Dan M. Rooney, previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland.
This, however, is not the franchise’s first visit to Croke Park. Back in 1997, the Steelers played a preseason game in Dublin against the Chicago Bears as part of the American Bowl series. However, the 2025 contest will mark the first time an official NFL regular-season game is played on Irish soil.
This milestone event is made possible through partnerships with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council, underlining Ireland’s growing role in hosting major international sporting events.
Croke Park: A Venue Steeped in History
Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), is best known for its legendary Gaelic football and hurling finals. However, it has also welcomed international events, including a college football game between Notre Dame and Navy in 1996, and concerts from global superstars such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift.
GAA President Jarlath Burns expressed his excitement about the upcoming game, stating the following:
“Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland’s sporting heritage, and hosting one of the world’s best sporting organizations is a momentous occasion for the entire country.”
NFL’s Growing Presence in Ireland
The Dublin game is a reflection of the NFL’s increasing efforts to engage Irish fans. Under the league’s Global Market Program (GMP), Ireland has been designated as an official market for three NFL teams: the Steelers, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Additionally, the NFL has been expanding its grassroots presence in Ireland, with youth flag football gaining traction. In 2024, Dublin’s Green Lanes School won the first-ever NFL Flag National Championship in Ireland, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the NFL Pro Bowl Games.
The NFL’s Global Expansion Continues
The 2025 Dublin game is part of the NFL’s broader international expansion, with additional regular-season games set to take place in London, Berlin, and Madrid. Looking ahead, the league has also confirmed plans to play its first game in Melbourne, Australia, in 2026.
As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the official schedule announcement this spring, which will confirm the Steelers’ opponent and game date.
Regardless of the matchup, the Dublin game is poised to be a defining moment in the NFL’s international journey, bringing the excitement of American football to one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues.
Bet on NFL Games Online at Bet442
With the NFL reaching new corners of the globe, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Whether you’re backing the Steelers in their historic Dublin showdown or following the action throughout the season, Bet442 brings you the latest odds, expert insights, and a wide range of betting options.
