The NFL has officially crossed into new territory. On September 28, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in Dublin, Ireland—a matchup that will mark the first-ever regular season NFL Ireland game. Held at the historic Croke Park, this game isn’t just another stop on the international schedule—it’s a historic moment in the league’s push to globalize, deepen fan engagement, and expand the footprint of American football beyond familiar borders.
How London NFL Games Are Changing the League’s Global Future
Background: What Is the NFL Ireland Game and Why It Matters
Until 2025, the NFL’s international games—regular season or preseason—had never included Ireland as a host for a regular season matchup. The Vikings vs Steelers game will change that.
- The Steelers will act as the “home team” for this game, which is unusual since they play in Dublin rather than Pittsburgh. The kickoff is set for 2:30 PM local time (Ireland), which is 9:30 AM Eastern Time in the U.S. Pittsburgh Steelers
- The game is part of the NFL’s expanded international slate for 2025, which includes games in London, Berlin, Madrid, and more. The league has scheduled a record seven international regular-season games this season.
- The Vikings will become the first team to play back-to-back international games in different countries in one season: first in Dublin (versus Steelers), then in London (versus Browns one week later).
This NFL Ireland game marks a key turning point. It goes beyond the spectacle—it’s symbolic of the NFL’s strategy to build new fan bases, test market logistics, and integrate more deeply with international audiences.
Venue, Logistics, and Stadium Changes for the NFL Ireland Game
Croke Park, traditionally the home of Gaelic games, is being adapted for this historic NFL regular season game.
- Normally, Croke Park has a capacity of about 82,300. For this NFL Ireland game, some modifications are necessary: the Hill 16 terrace—a usually standing section—will be converted with temporary seating to comply with the NFL’s stadium seating policies. With that and adjustments elsewhere, capacity will be reduced to roughly 76,000 for game day. The Irish Times
- Other parts of the stadium will be altered for visibility, media and sideline logistics. The sideline configuration, camera setups, and NFL-style media boxes will likely require certain areas to be reworked and restricted.
- Ticketing has already shown exceptionally high demand. Over 600,000 people joined the queue online for tickets once they went on sale; many fans abroad, from the U.S., the UK, and Europe registered interest beforehand.
These logistical steps show the NFL’s attention to detail for international games: modifying venue infrastructure, managing fan access, and ensuring that matchday operations meet league standards.
Vikings and Steelers: Matchup History & Significance
Putting the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers together isn’t just about a marquee game—it has historical threads and narrative resonance.
- These two teams have met multiple times over NFL history. The Vikings hold a slight edge in the regular season matchups (10–8 all-time) against the Steelers.
- In 2013, the Steelers hosted the Vikings at Wembley Stadium in London for a regular season game—the Steelers lost 34-27. The upcoming NFL Ireland game mirrors that connection: same two teams, gaps in international venue, and a strong fan base abroad.
- For the Vikings, this game adds to a strong international regular season record—they’ve never lost a regular season game played outside the U.S. before the 2025 slate.
So this isn’t an arbitrary matchup. It builds on shared history overseas and brings meaningful context to the NFL Ireland game beyond novelty.
Fan Demand, Cultural Impact, and Community Engagement
The NFL Ireland game isn’t just about two teams—it’s about fans, culture, and what this means for the sport in Ireland and beyond.
- As mentioned, more than 600,000 people joined the online queue for tickets once the sale opened. Many fans reported frustration around long waits and technical issues on ticketing platforms, showing demand outstripped supply by a large margin.
- Ticket prices have been set across a wide range—from more affordable seats to premium central seating. For example, some tickets ranged from €85 up to €495 for premium central view seats.
- Local and national governments in Ireland, including the Dublin City Council and relevant ministries, have voiced support for the game, highlighting expected tourism, hospitality, and cultural benefits. The game is seen not just as a sports event, but as a diplomatic and cultural occasion.
- Irish participation in NFL’s Global Markets Program and International Player Pathway (IPP) is increasing. Athletes from Ireland have been involved in IPP, and local events (youth clinics, watch parties) have ramped up, signaling a growing domestic infrastructure of fan interest and athletic pipeline.
The NFL Ireland game will likely accelerate interest in American Football in Ireland—among younger fans, media consumers, and even potential future NFL players or coaches.
International Strategy and Revenue Implications of the NFL Ireland Game
From the league’s perspective, every international game is a strategic investment. The Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers game in Dublin contributes to multiple goals.
- The 2025 schedule includes seven international regular-season games, across five countries, making this NFL Ireland game part of a record international push.
- The Vikings in particular are positioned to gain from their international exposure: playing back-to-back international matches gives them media visibility, merchandise opportunities, and access to new markets.
- Broadcasters are also expanding coverage. In Ireland, new partnerships (for example with Virgin Media Television) are securing free-to-air or widely accessible broadcasts of international games including the NFL Ireland game. That enhances visibility and fan access.
- The game will also generate tourism and local economic gains: international fans traveling to Dublin, hotel stays, restaurant and local business activity. Local government and media statements make clear this is part of the calculus.
Revenue isn’t just ticket sales—it spans broadcasting rights, sponsorships, international merchandise sales, and fan experience (travel, souvenirs, local partnerships).
Operational Challenges and Considerations for the NFL Ireland Game
While the potential is big, there are operational and competitive factors the league and teams must navigate.
- Travel and scheduling logistics: Steelers will travel from the U.S. to Ireland, with limited time to adjust for jet lag, acclimatization, and practice in unfamiliar conditions. Similar concerns have been raised in past international games.
- Stadium modifications and compliance: Converting standing terraces to seats, adjusting spectator visibility, ensuring optimal sidelines, media arrangements—all present logistical challenges for an event that must meet both NFL standards and respect local stadium traditions.
- Fan experience and cost issues: High demand means many fans may not secure tickets or may be priced out. Travel and lodging costs also pose barriers, especially for domestic Irish fans and those coming from mainland Europe.
- Weather and field conditions: Irish climate in late September can be variable; conditions at Croke Park might present challenges that NFL teams are less accustomed to. Ensuring field turf quality, drainage, and player safety will be important.
These considerations are typical of international games, but because this is the first NFL Ireland game, extra scrutiny is on implementation and how well these factors are managed.
What the NFL Ireland Game Foreshadows: Long Term Implications
The Vikings vs Steelers game in Dublin is likely to have ripple effects beyond a single September afternoon.
- It sets a precedent for Ireland becoming a recurring host of NFL regular-season games if demand and logistics prove sustainable. If this first game is a success in attendance, revenue, and viewership, NFL may schedule more regular matches in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland.
- It boosts the league’s strategy of global growth: Ireland becomes another node in the NFL’s international network, complementing London, Berlin, Madrid, and Brazil. The Global Markets Program will likely benefit from this expansion.
- Fan base growth in Ireland may produce benefits in broadcasting revenue, merchandising, youth development programs, and possibly even talents coming out of Ireland engaging with NFL pathways. Local players involved in international player development may gain inspiration and institutional support.
- Media partnerships—because of Ireland—are likely to be strengthened. Free-to-air and streaming platforms will test how international demand holds up, which in turn could shape how the league bargains for rights in Europe.
Anticipating the Atmosphere: What Fans Should Expect at the NFL Ireland Game
For fans planning to attend the game in Dublin, or watch from elsewhere, the atmosphere promises to be unique and powerful.
- The venue, Croke Park, has a storied history in Irish sports, especially Gaelic games. Hosting the NFL there combines a sense of tradition and novelty.
- The crowd is expected to be a mix: local Irish fans, fans from the U.K. and Europe, and American fans traveling in. The cultural exchange, spectacle, noise, and game-day pageantry will be distinct in setting.
- Game-day logistics (transportation, local accommodation, hospitality) will be tested—hopefully next to stadium venues or in Dublin city center. Local infrastructure must support large crowds, fan events, tailgate-style gatherings, etc.
- Media and fan coverage will be widespread: overseas viewers, sports media, highlight packages, local broadcasters, plus NFL’s own digital platforms will lean in to tell stories around the event—heritage, the players, Steelers’ Irish connections, Vikings’ international record, etc.
The Minnesota Vikings vs Steelers in Ireland is more than just a game—it is history in motion. It signals a new chapter in the NFL’s international expansion, blending competition, culture, business, and global fandom like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When is the Minnesota Vikings vs Steelers NFL Ireland game?
The NFL Ireland game between the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will take place on September 28, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 PM local time (9:30 AM ET).
Q2. Where is the NFL Ireland game being played?
This historic matchup will be held at Croke Park, the iconic home of Gaelic sports in Dublin. The venue will be adapted to meet NFL standards, including seating, media, and sideline changes.
Q3. How can fans watch the NFL Ireland game?
Irish fans can watch on local broadcasters like Virgin Media Television, while U.S. audiences will be able to view it live on the NFL’s national broadcast partners and streaming platforms.
Q4. Why is the NFL hosting a regular season game in Ireland?
The NFL Ireland game is part of the league’s expanded international strategy to grow its global audience. Ireland was chosen due to strong local interest, a large Irish-American fan base, and the country’s historic ties to American football.
Q5. Are more NFL Ireland games expected in the future?
While nothing official has been announced, the league has indicated that if the 2025 NFL Ireland game is successful, Dublin could become a recurring host for future regular season matchups.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Ireland game is more than a landmark in scheduling—it’s a bold step toward truly globalizing American football. By bringing a regular season contest to Dublin, the NFL is testing new markets, engaging diverse fan bases, and creating unforgettable experiences for players and spectators alike. From record-breaking ticket demand to unprecedented broadcast reach, the 2025 NFL Ireland game signals that international expansion isn’t just a side project—it’s the league’s future.
If successful, this historic matchup at Croke Park could open the door for more regular season games across Ireland and other untapped regions, making American football a genuinely global sport for years to come.