Total Pro Sports
Ireland is finally getting its first-ever NFL game, and it’s going to be huge! The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading to Dublin in 2025 to play at Croke Park, and this isn’t just any game- it’s a massive moment for sports fans and a big win for Ireland’s economy. Whether you’re an NFL die-hard or just excited about a major international event happening on home soil, there’s much to look forward to.
From the money flowing into the country to what fans can expect to pay, here’s everything we know so far about this historic game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be the designated home team for the historic game at Croke Park, which has a capacity of 82,300. Although the exact date and opponent remain unconfirmed, organizers expect the game to take place in autumn 2025.
For years, Irish NFL fans traveled to London and Germany to watch live games. Now, they finally get to experience the thrill on home soil. The Steelers’ deep Irish connections make them the perfect franchise for this milestone event. The Rooney family, owners of the team, trace their roots to Newry, County Down, and the late Dan Rooney even served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading to Ireland in 2025 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/2L6wjbGNZb
— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) February 7, 2025
For years, Irish NFL fans traveled to London and Germany to watch live games. Now, they finally get to experience the thrill on home soil. The Steelers’ deep Irish connections make them the perfect franchise for this milestone event. The Rooney family, owners of the team, trace their roots to Newry, County Down, and the late Dan Rooney even served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012.
The Irish economy is set to benefit immensely from this event. The Government has pledged nearly €10 million in State funding, expecting 30,000 international visitors and an estimated €64 million boost in economic activity. The NFL itself will spend between €14-€18 million on staging the game.
Previous American football events in Ireland have had massive financial impacts. A 2023 report by Grant Thornton on the Notre Dame vs. Navy college game at the Aviva Stadium showed a €180 million benefit to the economy. Croke Park has nearly double the capacity of the Aviva, and the sheer global pull of the NFL means the 2025 game could generate more than €250 million in economic benefits.
Ticket prices remain unknown, but previous NFL international games provide some insight. In 2023, ticket prices for the NFL’s London games ranged from £68-£195 (€81-€234). However, Ireland’s situation is different. With only one game being played, demand will be significantly higher. Given the Steelers’ strong Irish fan base and the novelty of an NFL game in Dublin, prices could exceed those seen in...
