The Pittsburgh Steelers will make history this season by playing their first ever regular season game in Ireland, and while the opponent hasn’t been announced yet, all signs point to the Green Bay Packers. On Monday, the Packers were granted global marketing rights in Ireland, which has led to speculation that they will face the Steelers at Croke Park on September 28—Week 4 of the NFL season.
Why the Packers Seem Likely as the Opponent?
The NFL hasn’t confirmed the opponent, date, or kick off time for the Ireland game yet, but hints are building that it will be the Packers coming to Dublin. The timing of the announcement aligns with the league’s schedule release, which typically happens in mid to late spring.
“It will be in and around the (entire) schedule release,” said NFL executive Peter O’Reilly. “If not in that window of the schedule release, right prior to that.”
For Steelers fans, the matchup against Green Bay would be extra special. Both teams have deep history and the Packers recent focus on growing their brand in Ireland adds weight to the rumors.
Steelers’ History in Ireland—and What’s Different This Time
The Steelers have been to Ireland before. That was back in 1997 when they played a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Croke Park. This year’s game will be different. It’s a regular-season game—and that makes it a big deal for both the team and the league.
That rule about teams forfeiting a home game every eight years to play internationally? It’s one the Steelers have never had to follow. They’ve played as the visiting team in London against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. But this time, they get to host the event. And that’s a first.
Rooney Family’s Deep Ties to Ireland
The decision to host a game in Ireland holds special meaning for the Rooney family, whose connection to the Emerald Isle runs deep. Dan Rooney, the late Steelers owner and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland (2009-2012), co-founded The Ireland Funds , a charity dedicated to supporting Irish causes. He always dreamed of seeing the Steelers play a regular-season game in Ireland.
“I’m really excited about it, to be quite honest with you,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “I just think about the late, great Ambassador [Daniel M.] Rooney, and how fired up he would be about it, and so it makes me smile when I think about it. It’s an honor to represent our game and our country over there, and I look forward to doing so.”
Steelers president Art Rooney II echoed Tomlin’s sentiment, expressing pride in bringing the team to Ireland.
“We’re excited to be going to Ireland,” Rooney said. “I told the league we need more tickets. The demand so far has been great, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Rooney even joked about wearing his green suit jacket more often lately—a nod to the family’s Irish heritage.
What We Know About the Game So Far
While details remain scarce, sources indicate the Steelers’ Ireland game is expected to take place on September 28 , which falls in Week 4 of the NFL season. The venue, Croke Park , is steeped in history and serves as the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association. It last hosted an NFL game in 1997, making this year’s contest a nostalgic return for football fans in Ireland.
Mike Tomlin admitted he doesn’t know much about the logistics yet but assured fans the team will be ready.
“I have no idea. We’ll be there,” Tomlin said with a grin.
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