Gardai issue multiple warnings to fans heading to Ireland's first NFL game in Croke Park

The first ever NFL game on Irish soil is set to take place this Sunday, September 28 in Croke Park, Dublin. The historic game will be contested by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. 

Excitement has been building throughout the week as over twenty thousand American fans have made the journey to witness the milestone sporting event in Ireland's capital. 

Both teams have started the season strongly with two wins from their opening three games setting up a vital encounter in Dublin which will help determine how their season's pan out.

Many associated game events will be taking place across the city during the weekend. These include a tailgate party in Merrion Square on match day as well as a fan march which will take place from Fairview Park to the stadium close to kick-off.

The match attendance is expected to be in excess of 70,000 people. Turnstiles open for entry in Croke Park from 11:30am with the game set to kick off at 2:30pm.

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The Gardai have outlined a number of measures for all attending fans of the American Football game to follow. 

Planning your journey

Heavy volumes of traffic are to be expected in Dublin city centre and the Dublin 3 area throughout the day. There will be a gradual build-up of traffic in the vicinity of the stadium leading up until kick-off as well an immediate build-up of traffic post match. NFL games can typically last for three to four hours. 

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

An Garda Síochána have been liaising with numerous stakeholders and there will be a large number of uniformed Garda deployed for the match and any associated events. 

General Travel Advice

Those attending the game are strongly encouraged to use public transport if possible. Full details of all transport options can be found through Dublinbus.ie Luas.ie Irishrail.ie Buseireann.ie and Crokepark.ie

As with all matches at Croke Park, A Garda cordon will be in effect on the streets that lead to the stadium and road closures can be expected within the area. 

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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.

Aside from the Garda guidelines, there's also a number of NFL-related events on over the weekend for fans as the atmosphere ramps up in the days leading up to the sporting spectacle.

What other associated events are on in Dublin?

A bespoke NFL experience will be taking place in the upper courtyard of Dublin Castle from 10am-6pm from Thursday to Saturday in the lead up to the game. 

The NFL will also have a Super Bowl gallery in Dublin City Hall which will give NFL fans a chance to see the Vince Lombardi trophy in person as well a host of memorabilia including all 59 Super Bowl rings. 

NFL fan shops, team pubs and tailgates will also dominate the weekend's schedule around one of the year's most highly-anticipated sporting events. 

How to watch the game

Many Irish NFL fans missed out on tickets for the game as the popularity of American Football continues to surge around the country but the match will be televised for viewers at home.

The game will be shown on Virgin Media One and Sky Sports NFL with coverage starting on both channels at 1:30pm on Sunday with kick-off commencing an hour later in what should be a memorable sporting weekend in Dublin.