The NFL is heading to Dublin and coming with it is all the glitz and glamour associated with the US sport.
Croke Park is gearing up to host the clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers, including their recent recruit Aaron Rodgers, and the Minnesota Vikings on September 28 for the first ever regular season game to played in Ireland.
As that day fash approaches, more and more details about the event are being announced including who will sing the Irish national anthem before kick-off, as well as who will headline the half-time show.
The answer to that first question is none other than Cork native Lyra, who is looking forward to belting out Amhrán na bhFiann in front of the sell-out crowd.
“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,” said Lyra.
“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.”
As for the half-time show, Myles Smith will be the artist tasked with ensuring the spectacle in Dublin lives up to the production usually found at the Super Bowl.
In addition to pregame and half time acts, there will be a host of performances by a range of local acts before and throughout the game including the Artane Marching Band, Clada House Band and Hit Machine Irish Drumline.
“It’s an honor to be part of the NFL’s first game in Ireland and be performing alongside all these amazing local artists,” said Smith.
“Dublin has such great energy, and I hope my performance brings even more excitement to the day for fans attending and watching worldwide.”
Senior Director of Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL Tim Tubito added: “We are excited to bring the very first NFL regular season game to Ireland, and there’s no better stage than the legendary Croke Park.
“Our aim is to celebrate this historic occasion with the kind of world-class entertainment fans expect from the NFL and showcasing a mix of global and local talent. With Myles Smith and a fantastic lineup of Irish performers, we look forward to creating an unforgettable game-day experience for fans to enjoy.”