The Pittsburgh Steelers, a well-known NFL team, has exciting news for Irish fans! They have partnered with Virgin Media Television to broadcast three of their preseason games live and free-to-air in Ireland for the first time ever. This partnership also includes airing The Mike Tomlin Show, featuring Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, weekly throughout the 2024 season.
Irish viewers can mark their calendars to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers games against the Houston Texans on Friday, August 9th at 23:30, the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, August 17th at 23:30, and the Detroit Lions on Saturday, August 24th at 17:30. These games will be broadcasted live on Virgin Media Two and the Virgin Media Player, with original content produced by the Steelers and Virgin Media specifically for the Irish audience.
This exciting announcement is part of the Steelers’ efforts to expand their presence in the Irish market. Through the NFL’s ‘Global Markets Program,’ the team has been granted rights to grow their brand and activities in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In addition to broadcasting games, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been actively engaging with fans in Ireland. They have hosted fan events, educational sessions, and football camps to connect with their Irish supporters. The team has shown their commitment to the Irish audience by making efforts to promote American football and provide unique experiences for fans.
Dan Rooney, Steelers Director of Business Development and Strategy, expressed the team’s enthusiasm about the partnership with Virgin Media Ireland. He highlighted the importance of reaching out to their growing fan base in Ireland and introducing the game to new audiences. Brian Gleeson, Head of Sport at Virgin Media Television, shared his excitement about bringing top-class NFL action to Irish viewers through free-to-air television.
The Rooney family, founders and owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, have a strong connection to Ireland through their ancestral roots in Newry Co. Down. Their ties to Ireland run deep, with Daniel M Rooney serving as the United States Ambassador to Ireland and being involved in initiatives promoting peace and opportunity in Irish communities worldwide.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of playing in Ireland, with their first NFL game in the country taking place in 1997 against the Chicago Bears at Croke Park. This latest partnership with Virgin Media Television further solidifies the team’s commitment to Irish fans and the promotion of American football in Ireland.
Overall, this collaboration between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Virgin Media Television is a win-win for Irish viewers, who can now enjoy live NFL games and exclusive programming featuring one of the league’s most iconic teams. Get ready to cheer on the Steelers from the comfort of your own home!
