NFL and Fanatics prep temporary Dublin store ahead of inaugural game at Croke Park this month

The National Football League (NFL) and Fanatics, its retail partner, are gearing up to open a temporary store in Dublin ahead of the sport’s inaugural game at Croke Park on 28th September.

Located at St Stephen’s Green, the 600 sqm pop-up will open on 23rd September for six days, offering fans a chance to shop official NFL jerseys, apparel, and merchandise from all 32 teams.

The city centre store will also sell exclusive 2025 NFL Dublin game merchandise as well as limited edition local collaborations.

“The excitement around the first NFL game in Ireland is truly historic,” comments Stephen Dowling, International President at Fanatics. 

“Being from Dublin myself, I am aware of just how passionate sports fans are in this country, and we want to make sure fans from Ireland have access to the largest range of authentic NFL gear when the sport comes to the city later this month.”

“Opening a store right in the heart of Dublin city centre, in addition to the retail offering at Croke Park, gives fans every opportunity to get the NFL merchandise they want before the game.”

NFL says the pop-up reflects growing demand for American football merchandise in the country as it reports that Ireland is the sixth best selling country on its official online store.

The Croke Park game and pop-up store are part of the NFL and Fanatics’ wider plans to bring the NFL closer to international fans.

“The launch of the NFL city centre store in Dublin is a big step in bringing our sport even closer to fans,” adds Salha Latif Vice President, International Consumer Products. “With a historic game taking place in Dublin, the store gives fans another opportunity to engage with the NFL, access exclusive merchandise and be part of the excitement.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.