Pittsburgh Steelers Set to Headline Historic NFL Regular Season Game in Dublin in 2025

Full Details on Date, Opposition, and Kickoff Time to Be Announced in Spring 2025

• First-Ever Regular Season NFL Game in Ireland Confirmed for Croke Park
• Pittsburgh Steelers Named Designated Team, Honouring Deep Irish Roots of Rooney Family
• Full Details on Date, Opposition, and Kickoff Time to Be Announced in Spring 2025

The NFL is making waves once again with the announcement of its first-ever regular season game in Ireland, set to take place in 2025 at the world-renowned Croke Park in Dublin. In what promises to be a landmark event for American football in Europe, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been officially confirmed as the designated team. With their historic ties to Ireland through the Rooney family, the Steelers’ involvement has been met with widespread excitement.

This game represents a pivotal moment in the NFL’s ongoing strategy to expand its international footprint, with Croke Park set to host thousands of fans from Ireland, the United States, and beyond. The stadium, known for hosting major GAA events like the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Championships, will now enter the global spotlight as a key venue for American football.

Steelers’ Irish Roots Strengthen Their Historic Role in Dublin Game

The Steelers’ connection to Ireland runs deep. The Rooney family, owners of the Steelers franchise, have ancestral ties to Newry, County Down. Art Rooney II, the team’s president, has been vocal about the significance of this historic game, citing both family pride and the growth of Steelers fandom in Ireland. His father, the late Dan Rooney, was U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012 and co-founded the Ireland Funds charity, further cementing the family’s enduring relationship with the island.

“We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular season NFL game to be played in Ireland,” said Art Rooney II. “The opportunity to play at Croke Park is incredibly special, and we know our fans in Ireland will make it a memorable experience.”

Croke Park: The Perfect Venue for an NFL Milestone

Croke Park, the largest stadium in Ireland and the beating heart of Gaelic games, is a fitting venue for such a historic event. Known for its electric atmosphere during All-Ireland Finals, the stadium has hosted a range of high-profile events, including the Special Olympics, college football, and global music concerts featuring U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift.

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “This game is a momentous occasion for Irish sports fans and a testament to the world-class nature of Croke Park. We are proud to showcase our stadium on the global stage and deepen the connection between Irish and American sporting traditions.”

Boost to Irish Tourism and Economy Expected

The Irish government has thrown its support behind the game, recognising its potential impact on tourism and the wider economy. With thousands of fans expected to travel from the U.S., Europe, and further afield, Dublin is gearing up to welcome an influx of visitors eager to experience both the game and the city’s famous hospitality.

“This is a major vote of confidence in Ireland’s ability to host world-class events,” said Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport. “Hosting an NFL regular season game will bring significant economic benefits and strengthen the cultural and sporting ties between Ireland and the U.S.”

Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Sport, added, “With the success of the annual College Football Classic, bringing the NFL to Dublin was a natural progression. Irish sports fans are already familiar with American football, and this game will take that engagement to the next level.”

Global Expansion of the NFL: Dublin Joins the List of International Hosts

The 2025 NFL season will feature a total of five international games, with Dublin being one of the key host cities alongside London, Berlin, and Madrid. London will host two games, including the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley. Berlin and Madrid will also feature marquee matchups as the league expands its reach into Europe.

Dublin’s selection highlights the city’s growing status as a destination for major international sporting events. With the Steelers’ historic 1997 preseason game at Croke Park against the Chicago Bears in the American Bowl and the growing participation in American football in Ireland, this announcement comes as no surprise.

The NFL’s Global Market Program (GMP) has already positioned Ireland as a target market for growth. Currently, three NFL teams—the Steelers, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars—have rights to market their brands and engage with Irish fans. This game will act as a showcase for the league’s continued efforts to grow its global audience and inspire a new generation of fans.

NFL Flag Football and Youth Development in Ireland

The NFL’s commitment to Ireland extends beyond major games, with the league actively promoting youth development through its NFL Flag program. Launched in 2024 in partnership with American Football Ireland (AFI), the program aims to introduce young players to the sport and build a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Earlier this year, Green Lanes School from Dublin won the inaugural NFL Flag National Championships and represented Ireland at the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, showcasing the impact of grassroots development. The NFL plans to further invest in programs that promote participation in both tackle and flag football across Ireland.

Super Bowl Watch Party and Fan Engagement in Dublin

Adding to the excitement, the NFL will host an official Super Bowl LIX watch party in Dublin on February 9, 2025. The event will offer fans the opportunity to enjoy the big game in a stateside-style setting, complete with immersive entertainment and refreshments. This initiative is part of the league’s broader strategy to maintain year-round engagement with Irish fans.

Fans interested in attending the historic game at Croke Park or the Super Bowl watch party can register for updates via the NFL’s official website.

A New Chapter in Ireland’s Sporting History

With the Pittsburgh Steelers bringing their rich legacy to Ireland and Croke Park providing the perfect stage, the 2025 NFL Dublin game is set to be a defining moment for sports in the country. As the NFL’s presence continues to grow, this event not only celebrates the shared heritage between Ireland and the Steelers but also underscores the nation’s ability to host world-class events. Fans from around the globe are sure to witness a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle in the heart of Dublin.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 NFL schedule and ticket information at www.nfl.com/dublin.

Rory McIlroy Stars in Happy Gilmore 2 as Adam Sandler Assembles Golf’s Greatest

Happy Gilmore is back, and this time, it’s bigger than ever. Adam Sandler has teamed up with golf’s elite for Happy Gilmore 2, and the star-studded lineup includes professional legends Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Justin Thomas. The highly anticipated sequel will hit Netflix in 2025, promising comedy and epic golf moments.

Shooter McGavin Returns!

Christopher McDonald, reprising his role as the iconic Shooter McGavin, made a surprise appearance at PGA TOUR star Justin Thomas’ WM Phoenix Open press conference. In true Shooter fashion, McDonald unveiled behind-the-scenes footage from Happy Gilmore 2, which will be showcased in the upcoming season of Netflix’s Full Swing, premiering on February 25.

With appearances from top golfers and cameos from Sandler’s original cast, the sequel is set to be a major hit among sports and comedy fans alike.

The NFL’s global appeal continues to grow, and Irish bettors are increasingly drawn to the league’s betting opportunities.

While the sport may seem overwhelming at first (especially for those from Europe), understanding key markets like spreads, moneylines, and totals can give bettors a strategic edge. This guide breaks down these fundamental betting options and provides effective strategies to maximize returns.

Understanding the Key NFL Betting Markets

Before diving into strategies, it’s crucial to understand the three primary types of wagers that will reward fans of the  NFLbetting markets:

Point Spreads: Betting on the Margin of Victory

A point spread levels the playing field by assigning a handicap to the favored team. Sportsbooks set a spread, requiring the favorite to win by a certain number of points, while the underdog must lose by fewer points (or win outright) to cover the spread.

For example:

Spread betting demands research and an assessment of team strengths, individual player contributions, game conditions, and trends.

Moneylines: Betting on a Straight-Up Winner

Moneyline betting eliminates the point spread. Instead, punters simply wager on the outright winner. The odds reflect the perceived strength of each team:

Moneyline are simple – and a great way to get an understanding of what makes a great team. For newcomers, moneyline bets can be a great way to get into the swing of things. But be aware, although these bets offer strong returns on underdogs, they require careful selection.

Totals (Over/Under): Betting on Combined Points

This market revolves around the total number of points scored by both teams. Sportsbooks set a benchmark, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.

This bet is popular for games featuring high-powered offenses or defensive showdowns. For those new to betting on the NFL this type of bet can focus the mind on what makes an offense or defense stand out from the crowd – and that’s the sort of knowledge that can pay (literal) dividends.

NFL Betting Strategies for Irish Punters

Mastering these markets requires more than just understanding the basics. Strategic betting improves long-term profitability and minimizes risks.

Here are some time-proven strategies to consider:

1. Line Shopping: Get the Best Odds

Odds vary across sportsbooks. A half-point difference on a spread can determine a winning or losing bet. Comparing odds across multiple bookmakers ensures bettors maximize potential returns.

For instance, one book might offer the Eagles -3.5, while another lists them at -3. A bet on -3 secures a push if Philadelphia wins by exactly three, preventing a loss.

2. Identifying Value in Moneyline Bets

Betting solely on favorites in the moneyline market isn’t a sustainable strategy. Instead, focus on underdogs with a real chance to win. Many casual bettors gravitate toward well-known franchises like the Cowboys or Chiefs, but real value often lies in overlooked teams.

When betting on all NFL teams throughout the season, it’s essential to recognize opportunities beyond just high-profile matchups. Some teams thrive in specific situations—such as home underdogs performing well against division rivals or underrated defenses keeping games closer than expected.

Look for:

If an underdog’s implied probability is lower than its actual chance of winning, there’s value in the bet. By expanding your focus and betting on all NFL teams when the numbers suggest an edge, rather than just backing favorites, you increase long-term profitability.

3. Understanding Key Numbers in Spreads

NFL games often end with specific margins due to common scoring plays (field goals = 3 points, touchdowns + extra points = 7). The most frequent winning margins are 3, 7, 10, and 14 points.

Bettors should target favorable lines near these key numbers. If a spread moves from -3 to -3.5, the likelihood of a push disappears, making it a riskier bet.

4. Betting Totals: Weather and Matchups Matter

Weather plays a crucial role in totals betting. Wind, rain, and extreme cold lower scoring potential, especially for teams reliant on passing. Before betting the Over, check conditions in outdoor stadiums.

Matchups also matter. A clash between two defensive-minded teams makes the Under more appealing, while offensive powerhouses make the Over a stronger play.

5. Live Betting: Exploiting In-Game Shifts

NFL live betting provides opportunities to bet on shifting game dynamics. If a strong team falls behind early, odds shift dramatically, creating value for those who understand momentum swings. Successful live bettors stay informed, not just about the game at hand, but also about team trends, injuries, and recent performances.

Keeping up with the latest NFL news is crucial in live betting. A key injury or a sudden coaching change can impact a team’s performance, and sportsbooks may be slow to adjust in real time. For example, if a star quarterback picks up a minor injury pregame but still plays, his effectiveness could be reduced, creating an unexpected edge for live bettors paying attention to the details.

For instance:

Live betting rewards those who react quickly and leverage insights from the latest NFL news to identify real-time value.

Deep Dives Pay Dividends

NFL betting requires strategy, discipline, and a deep understanding of how spreads, moneylines, and totals work. Irish punters who research matchups, shop for the best odds, and practice smart bankroll management will gain an advantage over casual bettors. By applying these strategies, the NFL season offers exciting and profitable opportunities for those willing to approach betting with a sharp, analytical mindset.