The NFL season starts tonight in Philadelphia, and if you’re a fan, you will be feeling the excitement.
This year, of course, will be a very special one in Ireland, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have released details of a blockbuster week of entertainment leading up to their clash with the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park on Sunday, September 28th.
There will be a free three-day tailgate in Merrion Square (26–28 September), a Terrible Towel Tour led by club legend Max Starks, the opening of a Steelers Pro Shop on Clarendon Street, and the transformation of Fitzsimons, Temple Bar, into the official Steelers pub for the weekend.
“We are thrilled to play in Ireland and give our fans a truly unique gameday experience,” said Steelers president Art Rooney II.
“We can’t wait to see our devoted and enthusiastic fans, both our Irish fans and those who are travelling to Dublin to attend the game.”
The Dublin tailgate will feature legends’ appearances, live music, flag football, photo ops, fan games, official merch and food & drink, with a big-screen watch party for fans without match tickets on game day.
Entry is free, but you will need a ticket, which will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Steelers Pro Shop Dublin will open today, Thursday, September 4th, at 40 Clarendon Street, carrying exclusive Ireland-themed lines alongside the full Black and Gold range.
Fitzsimons Bar in Temple Bar will serve as the Official Steelers Pub and fan HQ throughout the Dublin weekend, hosting radio broadcasts, legends appearances and more.
Meanwhile, Max Starks will tour Ireland in game week, handing out iconic Terrible Towels—fans can follow his route on the Steelers’ social channels.
There will also be a significant programme of business engagement throughout the week, more of which will be announced in time.
How to get involved
Join the free tailgate (26–28 Sept):
Merrion Square, Dublin. Expect music, legends, games, merch, food & drink, and a big screen on game day. Free tickets required via Eventbrite (first-come, first-served).
Visit the Steelers Pro Shop – Dublin:
Opens Thu 4 Sept, 40 Clarendon Street, D02 R921. Exclusive Irish pieces and wall-to-wall Steelers gear.
Wave the Terrible Towel:
Track Max Starks’s Ireland tour on the Steelers’ social channels and snag a towel.
Flag Football for kids:
Free clinics run during the tailgate — registration required; spaces are limited.
Meetups and broadcasts:
Fitzsimons, Temple Bar (26–28 Sept) becomes the official Steelers pub and fan HQ with live programming and legends appearances.
Game day:
Steelers vs Vikings, Croke Park — Sun 28 Sept, 2:30pm local. Check NFL and team channels for broadcast details and updates.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out more of our Sport for Business coverage of American Football
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