Is Croke Park really ready for NFL kick-off?

As Croke Park gears up to host the NFL International Series, Niamh O'Mahony wonders if the stadium is really ready to provide US levels of customer service

Thousands of US sports fans will make their way to Croke Park this weekend as the NFL’s International Series comes to Dublin. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

If you've noticed a surge in the number of American accents you're hearing on the highways and byways of Ireland this week, do not be alarmed - they're here for this weekend's NFL International Series. And they’re used to good service – but will they get it in Croke Park?

The 250,000 or so people that sang along to the greatest hits of Oasis and Robbie Williams in Croke Park last month had a great time. “We need to find a new word because this ain’t just nostalgia,” support act Richard Ashcroft told UK radio. Oasis shared footage of thousands of people singing along to their set list outside the venue, while Robbie Williams declared his gig “was the best ever".