The NFL, having only hosted one game in Ireland back in 1997, is fostering enthusiasm through events like Pittsburgh Steelers watch parties, which draw eager fans hoping to see live games in the U.S.
NFL's Strategic Approach to Building a Fan Base in Ireland
NFL's Strategic Approach to Building a Fan Base in Ireland
The NFL is actively engaging fans in Ireland through watch parties and promotional activities as it contemplates future game exhibitions.
In Dublin, a recent gathering at Croke Park highlighted the National Football League's (NFL) efforts to cultivate a fan base in Ireland. This outreach is critical as the league evaluates the potential for future games in the country. Last month, Steelers enthusiasts filled the stands at a sold-out watch party, a far cry from the NFL's lone in-person game in Ireland during 1997.
Shane De Lappe and Stephen Murphy, two Irish fans, were amongst the 800 attendees gathered to watch the Steelers face the Colts from a bar in the stadium. While they couldn’t witness an actual game, their passion for the Steelers was evident as they enjoyed classic American game-day fare—wings, hot dogs, and, of course, Guinness.
The league's commitment to building a fan culture abroad underscores its broader aspirations. "I would sell a kidney for it," exclaimed De Lappe, showing how deep the desire runs among fans for an authentic NFL experience, ideally culminating in a trip to the Super Bowl.
Through such events, the NFL seeks to establish a groundswell of local interest, creating a foundation that could one day support an official game, thereby broadening its global footprint and engaging with international markets.
