Ireland's first NFL game scores massive touchdown for the economy as new figures revealed

Ireland's first ever NFL game took place in Croke Park last Sunday, September 28 where the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the Minnesota Vikings in a tightly contested clash. 

The historic match was hugely beneficial to growing the sport of American Football in Ireland and creating a surge in tourism but the extent of its financial impact on the economy has now been revealed.  

The latest Bank of Ireland spending pulse which analyses debit and credit card spending from September 25-28 has revealed a massive spike in spending in central Dublin in the lead up to the inaugural NFL game. 

The statistics show that the most affected areas of the influx spending by the American visitors was in Dublin 1,2,3 and 4 which saw an overall rise of 12% compared to the same period last year. 

This meant that social spending in those areas rose by 17% as tourists basked in the incredible atmosphere in the days leading up to American Football showpiece. There was also a jump of 6% in retail spending as visitors looked to sample the shopping scene around Dublin. 

The stature of the economic boost which was created was emphasized on the actual day of the game September 28, pubs around the city centre saw a spending increase of 57% whilst restaurants were boosted by 20%. 

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The surge in popularity of American Football in Ireland has been massive in previous years especially amongst younger people. This was evident in the new data which showcased a staggering spending rise of 208% in teenagers from the ages of 13-17 years-old. 

Other demographics which saw hike in spending were the categories of 18-25 year-olds up 17% and the 36-45 year-old category which rose by 16%. 

As far as other sectors where the money was spent, sport apparel saw a jump of 35% but it was transport which saw the biggest rise of the week with an extra 256% purchased across buses, rail and tram services. 

Commenting on the findings from the latest spending pulse data, Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector at Bank of Ireland said: "It was a case of 'America's Game' coming to Ireland as the NFL played it's first overseas game at Croke Park, an event which proved to be boom time for retailers as visitors enjoyed the best the capital city has to offer". 

Clifford continued: "Our card spending insights reveal that the estimated 35,000 US visitors really splashed out, proving that these types of occasions can be a real boost for business across a range of sectors". 

Following the huge success of the opening game last month, further NFL games are being rumoured for the Irish capital in the near future which would be hugely beneficial for the economy once again based off the research.