Steelers Upcoming Game In Ireland: Opponent, Date Revealed

PITTSBURGH, PA — It's been known for some time that the Steelers would host the first-ever regular season NFL game in Dublin, Ireland sometime this upcoming season. Now we know the team's opponent and when they game will occur.

The Steelers will play the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park on Sept. 28, week four of the NFL season. The 9:30 a.m. game - 2:30 p.m. Dublin time - will be broadcast on the NFL Network.

It will be the Steelers first international game since 2013, when they lost to the Vikings in London.

"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 in a statement. "We are thrilled to be part of this historic event and to represent Pittsburgh on a global stage."

That the Steelers were chosen to be the inaugural home team in Ireland is not surprising, as the team's former chairman, the late Dan Rooney, served as the U.S. ambassador there in President Barack Obama's administration.

"I smile when I think about the late great Ambassador (Dan) Rooney and how fired up he would be about this game," Steelers 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."

Croke Park, one of the largest stadiums in Europe and home of the Gaelic Athletic Association, has hosted many major iconic sporting events, including the All-Ireland Finals for Gaelic football and hurling each year, the 2023 Special Olympics opening and closing ceremonies and a college football game between Notre Dame and Navy in 1996.