Pride and Anticipation Build Ahead of September 28th Showdown at Croke Park

The National Football League (NFL) is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to bring its first regular-season fixture to Ireland, with the Minnesota Vikings set to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park on September 28th. With just a month to go until the highly anticipated game, NFL executive vice-president Peter O’Reilly has confirmed that demand for tickets has been “really off the charts.”

The Steelers, who have won six Super Bowl titles, have bolstered their roster with the signing of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who inked a one-year deal. Rodgers, a four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), will undoubtedly be a key player in the upcoming season. The addition of Rodgers to the Steelers’ lineup has generated significant interest among fans, with many eager to see the legendary quarterback in action.

The Dublin game is just one of seven international matches scheduled to take place during the 2025 NFL season, with Spain also set to host a regular-season game. Following their showdown with the Steelers, the Vikings will travel to London to face the Cleveland Browns on October 5th. The NFL’s international games have proven to be highly successful in recent years, with sold-out crowds and electric atmospheres creating unforgettable experiences for fans.

O’Reilly emphasized the importance of delivering a high-quality experience for fans, both in attendance and remotely. “We are focused on really delivering this year at a high level for the Irish fans and for the fans from around the world who converge on Dublin those days,” he said. “We will be looking at all pieces of it and evaluating as we go – and frankly, as you know, we have really high expectations for what this can be in terms of an incredible experience for our fans, our teams, and our partners there.”

The NFL’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience extends beyond the game itself, with plans in place to engage fans who may not be able to attend in person. “We will be making sure that those who may not be able to attend the game feel connected to it as well,” O’Reilly added. This will include live streaming and interactive experiences that allow fans to participate in the excitement from anywhere in the world.

The NFL’s decision to bring the game to Dublin has generated significant excitement, with more tickets recently being released for the Croke Park event. Fans who previously missed out on securing a spot in the stadium’s iconic Hill 16 stand now have the opportunity to experience the game in person. The stadium’s unique atmosphere and rich history make it an ideal venue for the NFL’s international games.

Croke Park, which has a capacity of 82,300, has hosted numerous high-profile events in the past, including the pre-season ‘American Bowl’ between the Steelers and the Chicago Bears in 1997. The stadium’s electric atmosphere and passionate fan base have made it a favorite among international sports leagues, and the NFL is confident that it will provide a memorable experience for fans.

The NFL’s commitment to Ireland and its fans is evident in its plans for the 2025 season. With a record seven international matches scheduled to take place, the league is poised to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the Emerald Isle. As the September 28th game approaches, fans can expect an unforgettable experience that will leave them eager for more.

NFL International Games Schedule 2025

September 28th: Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)

October 5th: Minnesota Vikings v Cleveland Browns (London)

October 12th: Denver Broncos v New York Jets (London)

October 19th: Los Angeles Rams v Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

November 9th: Atlanta Falcons v Indianapolis Colts (Berlin)

November 16th: Washington Commanders v Miami Dolphins (Madrid)

November 23rd: Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers (Sao Paulo)