Pittsburgh Steelers to face Minnesota Vikings in first ever NFL game in Ireland as date of Croke Park clash confirmed
THE Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings in the first ever regular season NFL game to take place in Ireland this September.
The game will take place at Croke Park on September 28, as part of a partnership between the NFL, Dublin City Council, and the Irish government.
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Croke Park will host the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings in a historic NFL clash in Dublin
Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Henry Hodgson, General Manager of NFL UK & Ireland, said: "We're thrilled to welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Ireland this September for the first-ever NFL Dublin game at Croke Park.
"Alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers,, we can't wait to bring world class football to Dublin and make history together with passionate NFL fans in Ireland and those visiting from across the globe."
The Vikings vs Steelers will be the first NFL game to take place on this island since a pre-season game in 1997.
And Vikings President Mark Wilf said: "Playing in Ireland's first ever NFL game is an opportunity to introduce new fans to the Minnesota Vikings and help the league continue to make the game of football more accessible globally.
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"To do so against a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers adds a unique challenge that makes this even more special.
"We are honoured to the selected for this historic game and will be anxious to see what promises to be a electric gameday environment in Croke Park."
The presence of American football in Ireland has grown in recent years.
Down's Charlie Smyth was signed by the New Orleans Saints after being one of a number of GAA players to have taken part in the NFL Combine.
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Meanwhile, Wicklow and Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan is the first Irishman to start in the NFL since 1982.
A number of NFL franchises, including the Steelers, have expanded their influence into Ireland under the league's Global Markets Program.
And in addition to September's game, the NFL has committed to engaging with Irish fans through initiatives including flag football.
Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan welcomed the announcement.
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He said: "I welcome the news that the Minnesota Vikings have been chosen to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in our first ever National Football League fixture in Dublin.
"This event provides for a huge boost to tourism and hospitality in Ireland and indeed creates a great atmosphere in Dublin for visitors and locals alike.
"We look forward to welcoming the teams and supporters to Croke Park and to Dublin and beyond, as they take the opportunity to explore the many attractions that Ireland has to offer."
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