13-05-2025
Pittsburgh Steelers: Date, opponent set for first regular season game in Ireland
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) — The first-ever NFL regular season game in Ireland finally has a date.
The league announced Tuesday morning, that the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park on Sunday, Sept. 28. The game will start at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcasted on NFL Network.
Pittsburgh and Ireland are a perfect match when considering that late Steelers owner Dan Rooney served as the U.S. Ambassador to the country from 2009-2012.
'The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there but because it allows us to connect with Irish fans while also giving fans who travel from Pittsburgh and beyond a unique football experience,' Steelers Owner Art Rooney, II said. 'We are thrilled to be part of this historic event and to represent Pittsburgh on a global stage.'
The Rooney family also immigrated to the United States from Ireland. Dan also co-founded The Ireland Funds and would host flag football games there on the Fourth of July while serving as ambassador.
'I smile when I think about the late great Ambassador (Dan) Rooney and how fired up he would be about this game,' Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said. 'I remember when he was Ambassador to Ireland, he would have a Fourth of July flag football game every year. I think about him, but I also simply think about the honor and privilege to play our game globally.'
Back in 1997, the Steelers played a preseason game at Croke Park against the Chicago Bears called 'The American Bowl.' It's still the only NFL game to take place on Ireland.
The rest of the Steelers schedule will release on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m.
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