London hosting four NFL games next year
The NFL has confirmed four regular-season games will be held in London in 2019.
It follows the triumphant end to the season this year at Wembley Stadium. Two games are to be played there next year and another two at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium — which will be equipped with two playing surfaces, one for Spurs and one for NFL.
All three games played in consecutive weeks this year drew in an average of 85,000 fans. The Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars game held a sell-out crowd on October 28. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars a score of 24–18.
Before 2005, the NFL was promoted solely through pre-season games known as the American Bowl. Since the closure of NFL Europe in 2007, London has hosted 24 regular season games.
Played by two teams of 11 players each side, each squad consists of 53 players. 19 players act as offense, 19 as defense and the remaining 15 in special teams who play alternatively throughout the match. Find out more on how the games are played here.
Tracey Crouch, UK Minister for Sport said: “The NFL in London is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that we will have four games in the capital next year, with Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium joining Wembley as a host venue.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: The NFL brings huge benefits for our city and showcases London to millions of viewers overseas. We’ve staged some mouth-watering matches here and hope to host even more in the years to come.”
There has been much speculation from UK fans on the development of a London based franchise. Shahid Khan, Jacksonville Jaguars owner, is seen as the man who can make the league’s dream happen.
Gary Williams, American football enthusiast, said: “As an English person who loves American Football, I think it’s a great idea to have the games played in our country as we get to see the game we love at first hand and live, without having to travel to the States. Although I do think it is a little unfair on the ‘home’ team supporters as they get to see one game less of their team as said game is played overseas.”
Ticket information for the London 2019 games will be released at a later date. Keep your eye on Ticketmaster.co.uk.
