NFL seeks to provide abroad fans with a Super Bowl experience

As the league continues to spread its international reach, the NFL hopes that its foreign schedule of games this season serve as “mini Super Bowls” for fans outside of the United States, according to a league official.

The league is making its return to London on Sunday, when Aaron Rodgers and the Jets play against Sam Darnold and the undefeated Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The league played a sold-out game in Sao Paulo last month, marking its first trip to South America.

NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly told Reuters that clubs are interacting with fans in the English capital through pub takeovers and flag football activities, in addition to enhanced pre-game and halftime displays.
“Our main goal is to create miniature versions of the Super Bowl,” O’Reilly stated of the league’s championship match.

“We’re thinking through everything we do surrounding the game — the exterior of the stadium, creating big pre-game moments like the playing of the national anthems of the two countries and having sizable halftime performances.”

The game on Sunday will be the 37th NFL game to be held in London, honoring Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion, and Jared Allen, a five-time Pro Bowler, both of whom were born in the city.

“To me, it never gets old because there’s just such energy around these games,” O’Reilly stated.

The September game between the Eagles and Packers at Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena was successful despite before security concerns and a smooth playing surface, and O’Reilly stated the NFL aims to make it a regular stop on the calendar.

“It’s too soon to announce anything in terms of a return but based on the response to this game, we’ll be back there,” he stated.

Luisa Sonza’s poignant delivery of the Brazilian national anthem and pop sensation Anitta’s electrifying halftime show were both deserving of the “Big Game” in a nation that the NFL claims has 36 million NFL fans.

Following the Jets vs. Vikings game on Sunday, the Bears and Jaguars will play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13. On October 20, the action will move to Wembley Stadium, where the Jaguars will play the Patriots.

On November 10, the Panthers and Giants will play at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

The NFL is set to expand its global reach in 2025 when it plays its first regular season game in Spain at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid soccer team.