Have you ever wondered why some NFL games are played in London? It might seem strange to have American football games played overseas, but there are actually some good reasons for it.
The Beginning of the NFL International Series
The NFL International Series began in 2007 with a regular-season game between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. The game was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Since then, the league has continued to play regular-season games in London each year, with multiple games per season since 2013.
Why Does the NFL Play Games in London?
There are several reasons why the NFL plays games in London. One of the biggest reasons is to expand its fan base and increase revenue.
Football is extremely popular in America, but the league has been looking for ways to grow its international audience. Playing games in London allows the league to tap into a new market of fans who might not have been exposed to football before.
Building a Global Brand
The NFL is also interested in building its brand on a global scale. By playing games overseas, the league can increase its visibility and demonstrate that it’s a global brand that’s interested in reaching fans all over the world.
Testing International Markets
In addition to expanding its fan base and building its brand, playing games in London also allows the NFL to test out international markets. The league can use these games as an opportunity to gauge interest from fans overseas and determine whether there’s potential for growth outside of America.
Challenges of Playing Games Overseas
While there are certainly benefits to playing games overseas, there are also some challenges that come with it. One of the biggest challenges is travel. Teams must travel long distances to get to London, which can be exhausting and disruptive to their routine.
Time Zone Differences
Another challenge is the time zone difference. London is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, which means that games played in London are often on early in the morning for fans in America. This can make it difficult for fans to watch the games live.
Adapting to Different Environments
Finally, teams must also adapt to different environments when they play overseas. The weather, playing surface, and stadium atmosphere can all be different from what they’re used to back home.
Conclusion
Despite these challenges, the NFL International Series has been a success so far. Fans in London have been enthusiastic about the games, and the league has seen increased revenue and interest as a result.
While it might seem strange to have American football games played overseas, there are actually some good reasons for it. By expanding its fan base and building its brand on a global scale, the NFL is ensuring that football will continue to be one of the most popular sports in America and beyond.