The National Football League (NFL) will officially touch down in Ireland, with a series of free fan events ahead of the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Dublin on Sunday, September 28.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Minnesota Vikings on September 28 for the highly anticipated game in Dublin's iconic Croke Park.
While NFL Dublin game branding has already begun to be installed across Dublin City, a number of special pop-up events in Dublin have now been announced in the lead-up to the game - including an NFL Shop, an NFL Experience, and a Super Bowl Gallery, as well as special fan gatherings.
NFL Shop in St. Stephen's Green Shopping Center
The official NFL Shop presented by VISA – featuring NFL merchandise from all 32 teams – will open in St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center from Tuesday, September 23 through Monday, September 29, including on gameday.
The store will host exclusive fan experiences, including player signings, customization, and exclusive 2025 NFL Dublin game merchandise.
The NFL Experience Dublin
NFL Experience Dublin, presented by EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, will take place in the iconic surroundings of Dublin Castle with a three-day festival of NFL football, with fans able to test their skills with a field goal kick challenge, try flag football and have the chance to win prizes including Super Bowl LX tickets.
NFL Experience Dublin will be open daily 10 am to 6 pm from Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27.
NFL's Super Bowl Gallery
In partnership with Dublin City Council and the Department of Sport, fans can visit the NFL’s Super Bowl Gallery in Dublin City Hall, which will showcase all 59 Super Bowl rings alongside the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The NFL Super Bowl Gallery is open from 10 am to 6 pm at Dublin City Hall (via Exchange Court, Barnardo Square) from Thursday, September 25, through Saturday, September 27.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan events in Dublin
Continuing the NFL’s city takeover, the Pittsburgh Steelers have announced plans for a Steelers tailgate from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, September 28, in Dublin's iconic Merrion Square, presented by Aer Lingus.
The free event will include three days packed with entertainment, NFL legends appearances, fan activities, Steelers merchandise for sale, photo ops, giveaways, flag football, and more.
The tailgate will conclude with a watch party on Sunday for those who are not attending the game.
Steelers-themed food and beverages will be available for purchase.
The Steelers will touchdown in the world-famous Fitzsimons Temple Bar, Dublin, the official gathering point for Steelers Nation, open Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28. The venue will be transformed into a Black & Gold hub celebrating Steelers’ culture with live radio broadcasts, giveaways, legends, and much more.
Minnesota Vikings fan events in Dublin
As the visiting team for this historic matchup, the Minnesota Vikings will take over J.R. Mahon’s public house and brewery to welcome fans from Thursday, September 25, through gameday, showing the game live for non-ticketholders.
"Mini-Super Bowl feel"
"Dublin is a fantastic city to host the NFL, and we are thrilled to create a week-long festival of NFL football to celebrate the 2025 NFL Dublin game,” said Henry Hodgson, General Manager of NFL UK & Ireland.
“This will be a true city takeover, with exciting free events and activations to give fans a taste of that mini-Super Bowl feel.
"We can't wait to share our game, and we know that Dublin will welcome fans from across Ireland and around the world to this historic matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings."
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, commented: “I am delighted to welcome the NFL to our great city for the first time ever.
“We are so excited to have the Steelers and the Vikings come to visit us in Dublin, along with all their legions of fans.
"Of course, it's not only the game itself that people can look forward to. Whether you have a ticket or you don't, you can still take part in this series of free fan events across the city in the run-up to game day!"
"Dublin is hyped up"
Ireland's Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, added: “Dublin is hyped up for the first-ever regular-season NFL game to be played in Ireland.
"We offer a céad míle fáilte to fans of the Steelers, Vikings, and American football in general, and hope that fans enjoy tailgating, meeting NFL legends and getting a taste of the sport across the capital.”
Ireland's Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, also added: “Fans make the game. And Dublin is ready to offer the best experience possible for fans of the NFL.
"I hope fans of both teams, especially those who will travel to get to Dublin, enjoy the festive atmosphere in the run-up to the game, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.”
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