NFL Experience Dublin – 28th September 2025

The NFL American Football game between Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings will take place in Croke Park on Sunday 28th September 2025.

The expected match attendance is in excess of 70,000 people. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and the stiles are open from 11.30am.

A large scale Garda policing plan and Garda traffic management plan will be in place for this event.

Heavy volumes of traffic can be expected in Dublin city centre and in the general Dublin 3 area throughout the day, culminating in a gradual build-up in the vicinity of the stadium in the lead up to kick-off, and an immediate build-up of traffic post event. NFL games can typically last for three to four hours.

A ‘Tailgate Party’ (Fan zone) will also take place in Merrion Square on match day and a Pittsburgh Steelers fan march will take place from Fairview Park to the stadium close to kick off. There will also be other associated game events taking place across the city.

Plan your journey

Those who will be using the city are advised to plan their journey in advance and to expect delays and localised rolling road closures.

An Garda Síochána has been liaising with numerous stakeholders during the planning for this event.

General Traffic Advice: 

Those attending the game are encouraged to use public transport.

For full details of all public transport please see: 

• Dublin Bus
• Luas
• Irish Rail
• Bus Eireann
• Croke Park

Those attending the match by vehicle are advised to allow time for traffic delays and localised rolling road closures.

As with all matches at Croke Park, a Garda Cordon will be in effect on the streets that lead to Croke Park and road closures can be expected in the vicinity of the stadium well in advance of the game and post-match.

Road Closures will commence from 7am – the arterial routes of Russell Street, Jones Road and Clonliffe Road including adjacent roads can expect restrictions from then until after the game at approximately 7pm.

There is no parking at the stadium and illegal parking will be strictly enforced.

Residential area:

Patrons are requested to be aware that Croke Park is located in a residential area and are asked to respect residents by behaving in an appropriate manner when going to and departing the stadium.

There will be a clear bag policy in place for this event. All bags must be clear plastic or clear vinyl tote bags measuring no larger than 30cm x 15cm x 30cm or a clear plastic freezer bag. In addition to a clear bag you can bring a small clutch bag or purse.

Searching is a condition of entry to protect your safety and that of others.    

There will be a bag drop facility available for those attending the game at Ballybough Community Centre.

Fan meeting points and march

A ‘Tailgate Party’ (Fan zone) will also take place in Merrion Square on match day and a fan march will take place from Fairview Park to the stadium close to kick off. There will also be other associated game events taking place across the city.

Fan March

It is expected that a Fan March will take place from Fairview Park to Croke Park close to the 2.30pm kick-off. Localised rolling road closures can be expected.

Minimum disruption

An Garda Síochána will ensure that traffic disruption is kept at a minimum across the city.

Ticket holders for this event can find useful information on a dedicated Dublin Game web page on NFL. here.

Further updates can be found on official Garda social media channels.