Steelers-Vikings in Dublin this September - EVERYTHING you need to know
This is it, the moment has arrived.
Yes, I know - we have known about this since Super Bowl week, but it feels like today has cemented the entire journey.
We have made it. Dublin will host an NFL game this September as the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings in Croke Park.
So, naturally - here are the answers to some of the questions you may have as we start asking ourselves how on earth we are going to get into this historic game:
Why is this such a big deal?
It’s simple. There has never been a regular season NFL game in Ireland. There has been a generation of fans who have grown to love the sport of American Football, but they have had to travel to London, Germany or the US to watch their team, or just simply watch a game. That ends this September - and as someone who has had the chance to go to the first game in Germany, let me tell you, the hype, excitement and expectation around the first ever event in a country is like nothing you will ever see. It will be one hell of a weekend.
When will tickets be released?
This is still TBC, but I would speculate we will start to hear whispers about this towards the end of the month/mid June. That rolls us to the big question…
How do I get tickets?
If I had a Euro or Pound for each time I have been asked this over the last three months, a house would be built. The best bet is to sign up at the NFL specified link at nfl.com/dublin - this will allow you to receive updates in terms of when tickets go on sale. For example, when you sign up, do what I did - I have signed up three times with the various different hospitality options, hotel packages, etc.
Let’s be clear, folks. This is the hottest ticket in town. Last year, over one million people tried to access tickets for the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. This is not going to be easy, but at the same time - information will come out in the next few weeks on how this can be accessed.
Outside of an NFL official capacity - do you know anyone with a ten year Croke Park ticket, or anyone with a box in the stadium? That could be a potential avenue. There are many different raffles and competitions online already that help support local GAA and Rugby clubs, right across the entire island of Ireland. Please be careful with this and ensure you act cautiously here. If in doubt, do not buy. The NFL will (rightfully) advise you to purchase from official outlets only and that's something that I honestly recommend more than anything, if given the chance.
Finally on this - I do not have tickets. I wish I did - to the number who called yesterday with the Cork accent and the digits ending in 28 (yes, that’s you) - I wish I could help, mo chara. Well, technically, I can. We are giving away tickets to the game this weekend with our tour of Ireland with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Neil Reynolds. Tickets are available at linktr.ee/pfireland
What else can I expect to take place in Dublin that weekend?
That is under wraps for now. Over the last few years, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has held fan forums in cities which have hosted games - it would be realistic to suggest that this will happen in Dublin, though not confirmed.
I am aware of a few things going on and I will say this - it is worth the wait. Get down here for a few days.
Dublin will be electric.
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