As part of the NFL’s effort to expand globally, the Minnesota Vikings have taken on the job of playing consecutive international games in different countries. This time, Minnesota will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin before facing off against the Cleveland Browns in London.
The Vikings have played in London twice since head coach Kevin O’Connell was hired back in 2022, winning both times while following a routine designated to assist with international travel. But for the game in Dublin, what singer will get the honor of singing the national anthem pregame to visitors worldwide?
Bandon Singer to Perform Irish National Anthem at Vikings-Steelers Historic NFL Game in Dublin
Bandon singer Lyra has since been announced as the performer of Ireland’s national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, at the upcoming Dublin game.
The 82,000-capacity stadium has hosted NFL football in the past, with the pre-season “American Bowl” between the Steelers and the Chicago Bears being played in 1997. In recent years, the site has hosted a number of college football games, but never an NFL game in the midst of the regular season.
Croke Park, the venue for the matchup between the Vikings and Steelers, is also a popular site for concerts (Robbie Williams, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, etc.) in Ireland.
According to Billboard Music and NFL UK & Ireland, Lyra will take the stage at Croke Park in what will be the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Ireland. She is a Cork-born singer and songwriter; her self-titled LP reached No. 1 on the Irish Independent Albums Chart in April 2024.
“As an Irish singer, standing at the center of Croke Park, singing in front of my fellow Irish and visitors from around the world, fills me with immense pride,” Lyra said of her upcoming opportunity.
“I am deeply grateful to the NFL for giving me the opportunity to represent my homeland at such a momentous occasion. To be part of such an iconic moment, as the NFL makes history with its first regular-season game in Ireland, is an honor I will carry in my heart forever.”
Read More: What Is the Halftime Show at Vikings-Steelers? Everything to Know About the Performer in Dublin
According to Lyra’s Instagram, she was on her way to Dublin three days ago and appears to be very excited to express her Irish roots for the occasion.
The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will go head-to-head at the city’s iconic Croke Park as part of the league’s International Games programme; kick-off is slated for 2:30 p.m. BST/9:30 a.m. EST.
