Government Hosts Reception for NFL at Dublin Castle
- Published on: 26 September 2025
- Last updated on: 26 September 2025
Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, on behalf of the Government, will host a reception at Dublin Castle this evening for dignitaries from the National Football League (NFL) and both competing teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, plus guests from Dublin City Council, Croke Park and the range of agencies and stakeholders that have collaborated on the delivery of the game. This event is being held ahead of Sunday's historic first-ever NFL regular season game in Ireland.
The reception at the iconic Dublin Castle, a key historical and cultural venue, underscores the significance of the game for Ireland. The event will bring together key figures from the NFL, as well executives and staff from the Steelers and the Vikings, celebrating the growing popularity of American football in the country.
“Hosting the NFL at the historic Dublin Castle is a fantastic way to welcome them to Ireland,”
said Minister McConalogue.
“This game is a significant cultural and sporting moment for us, showcasing Ireland's ability to host major international sporting events on a global scale. We are thrilled to have the Steelers and Vikings here and look forward to what will be a truly memorable game at Croke Park on Sunday. Our hope is that this will be the first of many such games, further strengthening the deep ties between Ireland and the United States.”
The game at Croke Park on Sunday 28 September is part of the NFL's ongoing international series, which aims to grow the sport's global fanbase. Ireland's inclusion as a host country for a regular season game reflects the strong and increasing interest in American football here, in both tackle and flag formats.
It is expected that the game will generate a strong return in additional economic activity for Ireland with a direct Exchequer return on the State's investment of nearly two to one. Beyond tourism and economic benefits, the event is also delivering a range of opportunities for local businesses with the NFL also investing significantly in support of the game.