September 26, 2025: Crowds arrive at the NFL Experience in the Upper Courtyard, Dublin Castle, ahead of the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers.RollingNews.ie
Dublin city centre businesses recorded a major spending lift as the NFL staged its first official match in Ireland, according to the latest Bank of Ireland Spending Pulse.
The analysis, covering debit and credit card activity between 25 – 28 September, shows that American Football’s arrival brought a marked rise in economic activity across key Dublin postcodes.
With fans converging on Dublin 1, 2, 3 and 4 ahead of the Croke Park fixture, overall spending in these areas rose by 12% compared to the same period in 2024.
Social spending climbed by 17%, while retail spending advanced by 6%.
The biggest gains were felt on game day, 28 September.
City-centre pubs reported a 57% surge in card transactions, restaurants enjoyed a 20% increase, and health and beauty outlets saw spending soar by 72% as fans prepared for the occasion.
Younger age groups were especially active.
Teenagers (13 – 17) posted a remarkable 208% increase in spending over the four-day period, while spending by 18 – 25 year olds rose by 17%, and the 36 – 45 cohort recorded a 16% uplift.
Sportswear sales surged as supporters stocked up on merchandise, with spending on apparel up by 35%.
Transport providers also benefited from the influx of fans: overall city-centre transport spending rocketed by 256%, while taxi drivers reported a 7% rise.
The event underlined the drawing power of the NFL in Ireland and the wider economic opportunities linked to international sporting fixtures.
Commenting on the findings, Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector at Bank of Ireland, said: “It was a case of ‘America’s Game’ coming to Ireland as the NFL played its first overseas match at Croke Park, an event which proved to be boom time for retailers as visitors enjoyed the best that the capital city has to offer.
“Our card spending insights reveal that the estimated 35,000 US visitors really splashed out, proving that these types of occasions can be a real boost for businesses across a range of sectors.”
*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.