The NFL Dublin game was a huge success, and it shows that one of America’s national sports can pack out stadiums in Ireland, but what about America’s other national sport, baseball? Could an MLB game soon make its way to Ireland?
The inaugural NFL Dublin game was played in September, with the Pittsburgh Steelers beating the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 at Dublin’s Croke Park. There is already talk as to whether Dublin will host another NFL game next year.
The first European NFL game was played in London, as was the first MLB game. Baseball might not be as popular as American football, but it still has a pretty big following. One day, we could see a ballpark pop up in Dublin.
Ireland would be following London’s lead when it comes to an MLB Ireland game
The MLB (Major League Baseball) has played three two-game series at the London Stadium. The first one was in 2019 when fierce rivals New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox met in the English capital, with the Yankees winning that series. COVID then got in the way, which delayed games in London for the foreseeable future, thanks to travel restrictions, etc.
It returned in 2023 when the St Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs won a game each of their two-game series. In the latest series, fans saw the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets win a game each of their two-game series.
The series was supposed to take place in June next year and would have featured the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays; however, it was cancelled following scheduling issues with the London Stadium and Fox’s previous broadcast commitments for the World Cup set to be held in North America next year.
The London Series, which began in and has proven successful in introducing baseball to new audiences. That series included not just the games, but fan festivals and media events that created a full cultural experience. Replicating this in Dublin would be essential to ensure the game connects with both casual fans and newcomers to baseball.
Which teams would play in a MLB Ireland game?
An MLB game in Dublin would likely feature teams with strong Irish-American connections, such as the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees. Both have large fan bases and historical ties to Irish immigrant communities. A high-profile matchup could draw fans from across Ireland, the UK, and even the US, helping to further integrate baseball into Ireland’s sporting culture.
Furthermore, such a game would create new opportunities for youth engagement, media coverage, tourism, and partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. As mentioned, if London is used as the inspiration, it could spur a new generation of Irish baseball players and fans, increasing the size of the sport in Ireland.
MLB has a real opportunity to build on the NFL’s momentum in Ireland. A Dublin game could serve as a powerful statement of baseball’s global aspirations while also nurturing Ireland’s growing love for the sport. With the right planning and community involvement, Dublin could soon host its first major MLB event—bringing America’s pastime to Irish soil.
Baseball would grow in Ireland
While baseball is still a niche sport in Ireland, interest has steadily grown over the past two decades. Baseball Ireland, the governing body for the sport, has developed youth programs, leagues, and a national team that competes internationally. There are a reported 250 adult players and about 150 youth players playing America’s national sport in Ireland.
Hosting an MLB game would be a major boost to the visibility and credibility of the sport in Ireland, potentially attracting new players, fans, and investment. Irish-American heritage also plays a role, with many MLB stars past and present tracing their roots back to Ireland, something that could be used to build a deeper cultural connection.
What stadium could host an MLB Ireland game?
The Aviva Stadium is a world-class venue with a 51,700 seating capacity, already proven to host major events. Situated in the heart of Dublin, it’s easily accessible via public transport, ideal for both local and international fans.
The Aviva has hosted rugby, football, and American college football, so adapting it for baseball is feasible with the right planning and could work better there rather than at Croke Park, which held the NFL Dublin game.
On the downside, a Major League Baseball game would require significant planning, investment, and temporary adjustments to meet MLB standards. The benefits of location and infrastructure are strong, but the logistical challenges could prove its downfall.
Irish baseball fans are looking forward to the seven-game World Series between the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Toronto Blue Jays, which starts this Friday (Saturday 1am Irish/UK time). Many places will have watch parties, but one day, rather than watch a game a thousand miles away, they could find the ballpark on the doorstep.
