N.F.L. Expands Its Horizons: Cultivating a Fan Base in Ireland

With a sold-out watch party in Dublin, the N.F.L. is ramping up its efforts to attract and engage Irish fans, setting the stage for the potential return of live games to the Emerald Isle.

Shane De Lappe and Stephen Murphy showed up an hour ahead of time at Dublin's Croke Park last month, excited but not for Gaelic football or hurling. Instead, they were there for an energetic and sold-out watch party hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, attracting over 800 passionate fans. The two dads, in their thirties, were ready to enjoy a spirited atmosphere filled with wings, hot dogs, tater tots, and, of course, pints of Guinness, as they tuned in to watch the Steelers take on the Colts in Indianapolis.

Since the N.F.L. has held just one game in Ireland—a preseason matchup in 1997—fans like De Lappe and Murphy are embracing these alternative experiences as they grit their teeth watching from across the pond. Together, they waved their Terrible Towels and held on to dreams of attending a live Super Bowl game in the United States.

“I would sell a kidney for it,” De Lappe remarked, capturing the essence of die-hard fandom. With hopes to travel to America in the coming years, the duo represents a growing community eager for more official N.F.L. presence in Ireland.

These gatherings serve not only as fan meetups but also as a crucial step for the N.F.L. as it evaluates the possibility of hosting more games in the future. By building strategic partnerships and fostering enthusiasm among fans, the league is high on cultivating a vibrant market in the Emerald Isle—starting from spirited watch parties that ignite the living room excitement in an intense stadium-like atmosphere.

As sponsors and media partners take note and support grows, the N.F.L. is laying the groundwork for what could blossom into an annual tradition in Ireland, extending the reach and engagement of American football beyond the shores of the United States.