The National Football League (NFL) in the US confirmed today, Friday, February 7, that it will play its first-ever regular season game in Dublin, Ireland in 2025.

The Pittsburgh Steelers - which have longstanding connections to Ireland through the Rooney family - will play as the designated team in the historic game at Dublin's Croke Park, the home of the GAA.

The sporting event will be hosted in partnership with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council.

Who will play the Steelers in Dublin, as well as when, will be announced by the NFL when the 2025 NFL schedule is revealed this spring.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were awarded international marketing rights on the island of Ireland in 2023, permitting the organization to carry out in-person activities such as fan and youth football activities throughout Ireland, and partake in corporate sponsorship and merchandise sales, as well as co-marketing relationships throughout the island of Ireland.

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Steelers' President Art Rooney II and his family have a rich history and deep connection with the Island of Ireland, having family from Newry, Co Down. The late Steelers Chairman Daniel M. Rooney, Art Rooney's father, served as US Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012 and was a co-founder of the Ireland Funds charity.

The Steelers are also one of only two NFL teams to have played a game in Ireland to date, a preseason matchup in 1997 against the Chicago Bears at Croke Park as part of the American Bowl series.

"We are delighted to officially bring a regular season NFL game to Ireland as part of our 2025 International Games slate," said Executive Vice President International, League Events and Club Business at the NFL Peter O'Reilly.

"Both the NFL and the Steelers franchise have deep roots and history in Ireland, and we're looking forward to making our regular-season debut in Dublin, bringing our game to a large and passionate Irish fan base and underlining the NFL's commitment to global growth."

"We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular season game to be played in Ireland this upcoming season," said Steelers' President Art Rooney II.

"The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there, but also to play in front of the growing number of Steelers fans in Ireland.

"We are thrilled to be part of this historic event to represent Pittsburgh in a game that brings the NFL to the great sports fans in Ireland."

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"This is a major vote of confidence in Ireland's ability to host world class events and in Dublin's reputation as one of the most welcoming cities in the world," said Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD.

"Hosting a regular season NFL game in 2025 will have huge benefits for Irish tourism, the wider economy, and our sports ecosystem.

"It will also build upon the deep cultural, family, and economic ties between Ireland and the United States.

"I look forward to welcoming thousands of American football fans from the US, Europe, and further afield to our shores for this historic game, and also to the ongoing collaboration with the NFL, Sport Ireland and American Football Ireland to grow American football participation in Ireland, both the tackle and flag format of the game, as part of the government's commitment to increasing the number of people regularly participating in sport and physical activity."

Dublin's Croke Park. (Getty Images)

Croke Park has played host to many iconic sporting moments. It is the home of the GAA, All-Ireland Finals for Gaelic football and hurling, the 2023 Special Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and, in 1996, it held the college football game between Notre Dame and the Navy.

In addition to its sporting heritage, the venue has welcomed global music icons including U2, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift.

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Croke Park," said GAA President, Jarlath Burns.

"This event will not only highlight our stadium's world-class facilities but also reinforce the connections and love of sport shared between our communities.

"Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland's rich sporting heritage, and hosting one of the world's best sporting organizations is a momentous occasion for the entire country. It will be a special and unique event, celebrating the passion uniting two great sporting codes in the heart of Dublin."

In addition, the Steelers are excited to announce plans for a four-year partnership with Aer Lingus, establishing the airline as An Official Airline of the Pittsburgh Steelers, A Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland, The Official Airline of Steelers Ireland, and The Presenting Partner of Steelers Ireland 2025. More details regarding the partnership will be announced by Aer Lingus.

How to get tickets to the Steelers game in Dublin 2025

The NFL said on Friday that fans can secure priority access now for the Steelers' game in Ireland by placing a fully refundable deposit online here, unlocking exclusive early access to purchase ticket and travel packages.

Fans can register for information around the 2025 NFL Dublin game online here.