Aer Lingus X Pittsburgh Steelers: building a game-changing partnership
Aer Lingus is thrilled to announce plans for a new four-year partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the most successful and iconic teams in American football. With six Super Bowl titles to their name, the Steelers are an NFL powerhouse, and this planned collaboration marks a huge leap forward for us.
Not only will the proposed partnership establish us as an Official Airline Partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it will also establish us as a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland and the Official Airline Partner of Steelers Ireland. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! The 2025 season will also see the Steelers make history when they play a regular-season NFL game in Dublin, Ireland.
In a historic first for the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday, 28 September 2025. The game, which will kick off at 2.30pm local time (9.30am Eastern Time), will be broadcast on NFL Network, with live streams available on NFL+ and NFL Game Pass. It’s set to be an unforgettable moment for both teams and their fans, adding an exciting new chapter to the NFL’s international story.
At Aer Lingus, we’ve long supported American football in Ireland, but this proposed partnership will take that commitment to new heights. We’re also excited to play our part in nurturing future talent, with plans to co-present the Steelers Ireland Youth Football Development Programme, which will grow the sport at a grassroots level.
Mary McGuire, our Global Head of Sponsorships and Partnerships, summed it up perfectly: “This new collaboration will strengthen Aer Lingus’ position as a dedicated supporter of American football here in Ireland while also helping us grow our brand in North America, where Steelers fans are a force to be reckoned with in many of our key gateways.”
As a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland, we can’t wait to welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to Dublin later this year
This partnership isn’t just about Ireland—it’s about connecting two nations and two fanbases across the Atlantic. The Steelers’ reach extends far beyond the Steel City in Pennsylvania, while Aer Lingus is proud to fly direct to 18 US destinations. Steelers fans are everywhere, and we’re ready to welcome them to Ireland and beyond. Our Dublin hub is the perfect gateway for Steelers fans to make their way to Croke Park this autumn.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming all of Steelers Nation and their Terrible Towels as they travel to Ireland to cheer on their team and to connect through our Dublin Hub to the rest of Europe,” Mary continued.
Building stronger connections between Pittsburgh and Ireland
The Steelers’ connection to Ireland runs deep, and the plans for this partnership are about more than just sports. The Irish heritage of the franchise founders, the Rooney family, is woven into the fabric of the team; the family’s roots in County Down make this an emotional bond for all involved.
For Aer Lingus, this new partnership is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment to connecting people and cultures. From our support of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic each year in Ireland to the many American football fans who already travel through Dublin to other parts of Europe, this is a continuation of the deep relationship we’ve cultivated with the sport over the years.
We’re particularly excited about the role we’ll play in helping Steelers fans explore Europe. With our extensive network of connections to cities like Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam, we’re making it easier than ever for American football fans to turn their trip to Ireland into the ultimate European adventure.
Founded in 1933 by Art Rooney, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of America’s oldest and most famous football franchises
Looking ahead
As part of this exciting new chapter, we’re also expanding our presence in North America. In 2025, we’ll be welcoming even more passengers from across the US with our growing number of transatlantic routes—including Nashville and Indianapolis, our newest destinations.
Whether fans are flying from New York, Boston, or LA, Aer Lingus is their gateway to Ireland and beyond. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to bring even more Americans to Europe, offering them seamless, enjoyable travel experiences that only Aer Lingus can provide.
This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Aer Lingus. As we continue to evolve, we’re proud to be a part of something that brings the world closer together, on and off the field.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our Pittsburgh Steelers partnership via Instagram. #HereWeGo #HomeAdvantage
