Boost for Irish NFL fans as free-to-air TV coverage is confirmed ahead of Dublin fixture

NFL fans in Ireland have received a major boost with confirmation that free-to-air coverage is set to return from this weekend.

Virgin Media has announced that it will be showing three pre-season games featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers, ahead of the start of the new NFL season.

Irish fans will have a vested interest in the team which is due to play the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland's first ever regular season NFL game in Croke Park in September. 

Virgin Media will be airing three games starting as part of the Steelers' preparations for the new campaign, which begins in early September.

Mike Tomlin's side will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first game this Saturday night / Sunday morning (Irish time) with coverage beginning on Virgin Media Two at 11:30pm.

They will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh on August 16, again at 11:30pm on Virgin Media two. The final preseason game will occupy the same timeslot as the Steelers will face the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, August 21. 

READ MORE: Ireland heatwave latest: Met Eireann pinpoint 25C weather but it could end with a bang

The commercial broadcaster has also announced that they will broadcast the Mike Tomlin show featuring unique insights from the Steeler's head coach on a weekly basis as part of their partnership renewal with the NFL team.

Confirmation of the free-to-air coverage comes as the popularity of American Football continues to skyrocket amongst Irish Sports fans ahead of the new season.

The announcement also marks a major milestone in the Steelers' commitment to growing their international footprint and connecting with their passionate Irish fanbase. 

Speaking after the announcement, Vice-President of Business Development and Strategy of the Pittsburgh Steelers Dan Rooney said: "The Steelers are excited to be partnering once again with Virgin Media to offer official team programming in Ireland".

Dan also spoke on the impact the announcement can have on their Irish fans stating "it will allow us to connect with the growing number of Steelers fans in Ireland by giving them more opportunities to stay engaged with the team before, during and after the Dublin game in September". 

Pittsburgh have strong Irish connections with the Rooney family who own the team having moved from Newry in Northern Ireland to the states in the 19th Century. They went on to set up the team in 1933 and their Croke park fixture is set to be somewhat of a homecoming for the family.  

Head of Sport at Virgin Media Television Brian Gleeson said: "We're thrilled to extend our partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing premium team content to Virgin Media audiences. From pre-season match ups to the Mike Tomlin show, fans will enjoy unparalleled access to one of the NFL's most storied franchises". 

Brian also spoke on the deal in the context of the upcoming NFL game at Croke Park commenting: "With the Steelers set to take the field at Croke Park this September, it's the perfect time for Irish fans to get familiar with this year's roster and build excitement ahead of their Dublin debut". 

While the historic clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park will be broadcast on NFL Network in the United States, details of who will broadcast the fixture in Ireland have yet to be announced.

The match kicks off at 2.30pm on Sunday, September 28.