DUBLIN, Ireland: The NFL will hold its first-ever regular-season game in Dublin in 2025, marking another step in the league's global expansion.

The game will take place at Croke Park, Ireland's largest sporting venue and the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

The Pittsburgh Steelers will serve as the designated team for this milestone event. The Steelers' deep ties to Ireland make them a fitting choice, as team president Art Rooney II has strong family connections to Newry, County Down. His late father, Dan Rooney, served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012 and co-founded the Ireland Funds charity. The Steelers previously played a preseason game in Dublin in 1997 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 Peter O'Reilly, the NFL's executive vice president of international, league events, and club business.

"Both the NFL and the Steelers franchise have deep roots 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."

Steelers president Art Rooney II expressed his excitement about the game: "The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there but also because of the growing number of Steelers fans in Ireland. We are thrilled to be part of this historic event."

Irish officials have also welcomed the announcement, highlighting its potential impact on tourism and the economy. "Hosting a regular-season NFL game in 2025 will have huge benefits for Irish tourism, the wider economy, and our sports ecosystem," said Patrick O'Donovan TD, Ireland's Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport. "It will also build upon the deep cultural, family, and economic ties between Ireland and the United States."

Croke Park, known for hosting the Gaelic football and hurling All-Ireland finals, has a history of staging major events, including the 1996 college football game between Notre Dame and the Navy. It has also welcomed international music stars such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift.

Jarlath Burns, president of the GAA, emphasized the significance of the event: "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."

The full details of the game, including the Steelers' opponent, date, and kickoff time, will be announced when the 2025 NFL schedule is released this spring. Fans can register for updates at www.nfl.com/dublin.

This Dublin matchup is part of the NFL's broader international expansion effort, which will also feature games in London, Berlin, and Madrid next season. The league's commitment to growing the sport in Ireland is evident through initiatives like the NFL Global Market Program, which awards marketing rights to teams in international markets, and NFL Flag, which launched in Ireland in 2024 in partnership with American Football Ireland.

The Steelers previously played an international regular-season game in London in 2013. Now, as the NFL continues to bring American football to new audiences, Dublin will take center stage for this historic matchup.