General view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers have sights set on playing a game in Ireland

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 5/25/23

Just days after being awarded international marketing rights in Ireland from the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made it known that playing a future game in the country is on the team’s agenda.

Steelers director of business development and strategy Daniel Rooney and former quarterback Kordell Stewart were in Dublin on Thursday for a news conference to celebrate the marketing rights partnership, where Rooney opened up on the franchise’s plans to build fan engagement on the island.

"The first focus is to bring the Steelers to the people of Ireland,” Rooney said, via the team’s official website. “We are going to try and reach all 32 counties. Our aspirations long-term are to play a game in Ireland. As we move through the process, we'll be evaluating all options."

For the first time since 1997, @Steelers energy is taking over @CrokePark. What a sight to behold for our official return to Ireland #HereWeGo #SteelersIreland pic.twitter.com/clM2dFpbTG
— Steelers Ireland (@SteelersIreland) May 25, 2023

The Steelers played in the only NFL game ever played in Ireland — a 30-17 win over the Chicago Bears at the 82,300-seat Croke Park during the 1997 preseason — so it’s only fitting the team wasn’t shy about its desire to return.

The Waterford Crystal trophy that was given to the Steelers for winning that game remains on display at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, the team’s practice facility.

The Steelers and the Rooney family have strong ties to Ireland, as the late Dan Rooney, son of Steelers founder and former owner Art Rooney, served as the U.S. ambassador to the island from 2009 to 2012.

“Ireland was hot on the list for us due to the story we have to tell,” Rooney added. “The Irish connection is huge. We feel like coming into a country that is less crowded, we can be Ireland's team and that is attractive to us. The opportunity we have here is different from other countries and we feel it is authentic. It's not something we are trying to force. It's something we want to do.”

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