Pittsburgh Review

Nearly every Irish child dreams of playing in front of over 80,000 fans at Dublin's Croke Park. In the 2025 NFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have that opportunity as they are set to play a game there. The NFL announced this development on Friday, though the opponent and date remain undisclosed.

Croke Park is one of Europe's largest stadiums with a rich history. It has hosted significant events, from rebellion and tragedy to Muhammad Ali fights. Alan Milton, the GAA's Director of Communications, stated, "It's iconic. It's not just another sporting venue. Really, to the people here, Croke Park is the nation's playground."

The stadium has been home to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) since its first Gaelic football match in 1891. It hosts nearly 90 matches annually and is central to Irish sports culture. The All-Ireland Championships in hurling and Gaelic football draw thousands each year.

For Irish NFL fans, a memorable event was "The American Bowl" in 1997 between the Steelers and Chicago Bears at Croke Park. This game was organized by former Steelers president Dan Rooney, who later became U.S. ambassador to Ireland.

In recent years, Croke Park has expanded its use beyond GAA events to include rugby and soccer matches and concerts featuring artists like U2 and Bruce Springsteen.

Milton reflected on this evolution: "Our society has changed beyond recognition... One of the things that has changed is how we use Croke Park." He added about its significance: "It's awe-inspiring when it's empty... It's just a very special place for a lot of people around the country."

This fall, it will also be a special place for an NFL game.