Hey NFL fans! Picture this: you’re sitting in London, surrounded by thousands of passionate football fans, wearing your Dallas Cowboys jersey, and cheering your team on as they battle it out on the field. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, for many fans around the world, this dream is becoming a reality thanks to the NFL’s growing presence in international markets.
In this article about NFL international games. We’ll explore why they’re such a big deal, the history behind them, and how they’re bringing fans from all over the globe together. Ready to get into it? Let’s go!
What Are NFL International Games
If you’re new to the NFL’s international efforts, you might be wondering what exactly NFL international games are all about. Simply put, they’re regular-season NFL games played outside the United States.
Imagine watching your favorite team, whether it’s the Miami Dolphins or the New England Patriots in London, Mexico City, or even Madrid. These games are the NFL’s way of bringing the excitement of American football to fans worldwide.
The first international game was held in London back in 2007 and since then, the NFL has expanded to include games in Mexico City and, in the near future, possibly more cities around the world.
These games are a chance for fans to experience live NFL action without having to cross the Atlantic. It’s pretty awesome, right?
The History of NFL International Games
It all started with Wembley Stadium in London. The NFL held its first international game there in 2007, featuring the Miami Dolphins against the New York Giants. It was a historic moment, and the game drew over 80,000 fans.
From there, the NFL realized that there was a real demand for American football in other parts of the world.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve seen over 30 international games in London alone, with venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley hosting these thrilling matchups. Plus, Mexico City joined the action in 2005, hosting games at the famous Estadio Azteca.
In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans played in front of 61,000 fans in London. That’s a huge crowd and it shows just how much global interest there is in the NFL.
Why Are NFL International Games Important?
You might be asking yourself, “Why is the NFL going to all this trouble to play games outside the U.S.?” There are actually a few key reasons:
Expanding the NFL’s Global Fanbase
The NFL is massive in the U.S., but outside the country, it’s still growing. By hosting games in places like London and Mexico City, the NFL is tapping into new markets and giving international fans the chance to experience live games.
Fans who’ve only seen the NFL on TV now have the chance to witness the action in person. Imagine how awesome it must be for a London fan to finally see their favorite NFL team play live at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Not only does this create a connection with international fans, but it also encourages them to engage more with the sport. You can bet that after attending a game in London, many fans are going to become lifelong NFL supporters.
Boosting Revenue for the League
Let’s face it – the NFL is abusiness. And just like any other business, it wants to grow and increase its revenue.
By holding international games, the league is able to boost its revenue in several ways. More games mean more ticket sales, more merchandise sales and better broadcasting deals.
Take Mexico City, for example. The games there have consistently sold out, drawing over 76,000 fans to Estadio Azteca in some years.
These games are not only a huge success in terms of fan engagement, but they also help generate a significant amount of money for the NFL and its teams.
Growing Football as a Global Sport
One of the most exciting things about NFL international games is that they’re helping to grow American football in countries where the sport wasn’t as popular before. Places like Germany, Spain, and England are getting a taste of what makes the NFL so special.
With these international games, the NFL is helping to introduce new generations to the sport, and who knows? Maybe the next Super Bowl MVP will come from a country like Germany or Mexico.
Imagine the thrill of seeing a Mexican player score a game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl in a few years. That would be incredible, and it could become a reality as the sport continues to expand.
NFL International Locations: Where the Magic Happens
Now let’s talk about where these incredible games are taking place. These international cities have become the backdrop for some of the most exciting moments in NFL history, and each one has its own unique vibe.
- London, England: London is hands down the most popular destination for NFL international games. Since 2007, the NFL has hosted more than 30 games at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- The energy in the crowd is something you have to experience to believe. Imagine a stadium full of fans wearing Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Chicago Bears jerseys, all cheering together for their teams.
- In fact, the London Games have become such a staple of the NFL season that many fans plan their entire year around them. They fly in from all over Europe just to see the game live.
- It’s not just about the football rather it’s about the community of fans coming together from different countries and backgrounds to celebrate the sport we all love.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Let’s not forget about Mexico City! Estadio Azteca is another iconic venue that’s hosted several high-profile NFL games.
- The 2016 matchup between the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans saw 76,000 fans in attendance. That’s some serious energy.
- Mexico has a massive NFL fanbase, and these games have become an important cultural event for the country. Picture yourself tailgating with fans enjoying tacos and burritos while watching the game—it’s an experience like no other.
- For many fans in Mexico, this is their one chance to see their favorite NFL teams live and the atmosphere is always electric.
- Madrid, Spain (Coming Soon): Get ready for a new destination! In 2025, Madrid will be hosting its first NFL game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This is going to be a game-changer for fans in Spain and across Europe.
- The Miami Dolphins will be taking on another NFL team in what promises to be an unforgettable experience. The excitement around this game is already building and I can’t wait to see how the fans in Madrid react to the NFL’s presence.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
For fans like you, these international games offer a unique opportunity to experience live NFL action in a whole new way.
Whether you’re attending a game in London, Mexico City, or Madrid, you’ll be part of something bigger than just a game, you’ll be part of a global NFL community.
And hey, even if you’re not able to attend in person, these international games bring the sport closer to you. They show that no matter where you live, the NFL is a worldwide phenomenon.
Final Thoughts: Will You Be Attending an NFL International Game?
- As the NFL continues to expand globally, there’s never been a better time to experience the excitement of NFL international games.
Whether you’re planning to travel to London, Mexico City, or Madrid, these games are an unforgettable experience that will bring fans from all corners of the globe together.
So, NFL fans, have you ever been to an international game? Which city would you love to see your team play in next? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going!
