NFL Dublin: Talks underway to host more American Football games in Ireland
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings in action during their NFL game at Croke Park in September. Sports minister Patrick O’Donovan said the feasibility of a multi-year hosting agreement is being looked into. Picture: Laszlo Geczo/InphoÂ
Discussions are underway regarding the potential hosting of another NFL International Game in Dublin in 2026, as well as the feasibility of a multi-year hosting agreement, ministers have been told.
On Tuesday, sports minister Patrick O’Donovan requested the Government to note the "initial positive feedback, including economic impact" of the NFL game held in Croke Park in September this year, which saw the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Minnesota Vikings.Â
Mr O'Donovan told Cabinet that his department has had engagement with the NFL regarding the potential hosting of a further fixture in Dublin in 2026.
The Government was also asked to note that discussions with the NFL will also explore a longer-term hosting agreement, which could see fixtures in future years.
While a cost-benefit analysis is still being undertaken, Mr O'Donovan said that the feedback on the recent game held in Croke Park was "very positive", with the event selling out and 74,512 in attendance.
Ministers were told that the event was "a safe, high-quality experience for attendees and demonstrated Ireland’s capacity to host a large-scale international sporting event".
Work is currently underway on a post-event evaluation, which will provide detailed insights into the economic outcomes of the September game. The return on public investment is expected to exceed, it is understood.
The Government had approved an allocation of up to €9.95m to support the hosting of the September game, which included a number of one-off costs associated with the first-time setup in Croke Park.
Any agreement reached with the NFL would have to receive Government approval.
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