Your Ultimate Fan Guide to the Steelers vs. Vikings Showdown in Dublin!

By Mike Darnay, Digital Producer, CBS Pittsburgh

September 26, 2025 / 5:25 AM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

The Emerald Isle is buzzing! In just a few short days, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings will make history, clashing in the NFL’s inaugural regular-season game held on Irish soil. As Steeler Nation and Vikings faithful alike descend upon Dublin, there’s a treasure trove of information you’ll need to navigate this unforgettable international weekend.

Game Day Details: When and Where to Catch the Action

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings is set for Sunday, September 28th. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time in Dublin, which translates to an early 9:30 a.m. EDT in Pittsburgh.

The historic venue for this transatlantic gridiron battle is none other than Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. Home to the Gaelic Athletic Association, Croke Park is a colossal stadium, boasting a seating capacity of just over 82,000. This makes it the fourth-largest stadium in all of Europe, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans.

The Steelers Have Landed!

The black and gold have officially touched down! The Steelers’ charter plane, an Aer Lingus flight from Pittsburgh International, arrived in Dublin early Friday morning, around 8 a.m. local time. The team wasted no time sharing their excitement, posting photos of players arriving at the airport, captioned: “Landed on the Emerald Isle ☘️ Fáilte go Baile Átha Cliath 🇮🇪.”

A History of International Play for the Steelers

While this marks their first regular-season game in Ireland, the Steelers are no strangers to international competition. Their history with Croke Park dates back to 1997, when they faced the Chicago Bears in a preseason game at the very same venue. Six years later, in 2013, the Steelers and Vikings locked horns at Wembley Stadium in London, England, a game that saw Minnesota emerge victorious with a 34-27 scoreline.

Steeler Nation Embraces the Emerald Isle

From the moment they arrived, it’s clear Dublin is ready for the NFL! Pittsburghers and members of Steeler Nation have been making the transatlantic journey, transforming the game into an unforgettable vacation. Mary and Rick Polley from the North Hills shared their experience:

“People were very friendly to come up to us and talk to us and ask where in Pittsburgh we were from, how long we had been Steeler fans, and so forth,” Rick recounted. “So they were very anxious or interested in knowing more about us coming from the states.” The Polleys emphasized how welcoming the Irish people have been, stating, “They really make you feel at home here, so it’s a lot of fun.”

A Taste of Dublin: Bob Pompeani and Rich Walsh’s Irish Adventure

CBS Pittsburgh’s own Bob Pompeani and Rich Walsh arrived in Dublin earlier this week, immersing themselves in Irish culture ahead of Sunday’s big game. Their itinerary included a tour of the Jameson Irish Whiskey distillery and a visit to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. “When you come here, it’s an absolute must to taste the Guinness,” Pompeani declared. They even linked up with the Pittsburgh Steelline, confirming that it’s a “Yinzer takeover in Dublin!”

Primanti Bros. Brings Pittsburgh Flavor to Dublin

For those craving a taste of home, Primanti Bros. is setting up a special pop-up location near Croke Park! Located at the Croke Park Hotel, directly across from the stadium, the pop-up will be open on both Saturday and Sunday. In a delightful twist, the culinary team from the Croke Park Hotel will collaborate with Primanti’s to incorporate local Irish meats into the beloved Pittsburgh sandwiches, blending classic “time-tested recipes” with a touch of Irish flair.

Pittsburgh Wakes Up Early for Game Day

Back home in Pittsburgh, bars and restaurants are adjusting their schedules to accommodate the early kickoff. Several Primanti Bros. locations across the Pittsburgh area will open their doors at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Other popular spots like Redbeard’s in the Cultural District, Southern Tier and Mike’s Beer Bar on the North Shore, and Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District will also be opening early, ensuring fans can gather to cheer on the Steelers. For more information on the NFL Global Markets Program and future international games, visit the official NFL website.

Whether you’re celebrating in Dublin or cheering from Pittsburgh, this historic international game promises an unforgettable experience for all NFL fans!

Mike Darnay is a digital producer and photojournalist at CBS Pittsburgh. Mike has also written and produced content for Vox Media and the Mon Valley Independent. He often covers overnight breaking news, the Pittsburgh Steelers and high school sports.

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