View Full Version : London to host regular season NFL game
AsHopeDies
01-16-2007, 10:42 AM
Story Here (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2732567&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines)
What do you guys think about this? I think it kinda sucks that they are gonna take home field advantage away from somebody for a regular season game, but it's cool in that the fans over there will see a real game with all the starters the whole time. Are there enough fans or at least interested people in England to make this a success? Judging from the Football vs. Football arguments on these threads, it doesn't seem like the English give a shit about American Football. What do you guys think?
Although when it comes to the Football vs. Football arguments im on the English side i'm gonna go to this as i do for some reason like the nfl. It's just when i start to think about it i reaslise what a idiot i am, but anyway it should be sick.
i read in the paper on my way to school this morning that it might be the dolphins v.s the giants
That's kind of gay. Think about it. The US don't do much by way of Rugby Union. Would it make sense to have the Gloucester vs Bath league game at the Rose Bowl? Nope.
If I were the NFL I'd open a new office, let's call it the IFL or FIAFL or something, start a periodical international knockout tournament to be staged around the world where there are American Football Leagues (supported by the FIAFL or whatever), and encourage the development of American Football (with coaching and stuff) in counties where the standard is rubbish.
I imagine a massive showcase for international American Football every 4 years would do more to promote the sport than some meaningless (to Londonders) league game. Though maybe the NFL are afraid of doing that because they can see what the success of Basketball and the inverse correlation it has had on the international results of team USA in the worlds and the olympics.
We have our own American Football league thanks.
Canty
01-16-2007, 04:04 PM
I used to like American Football but after trying to watch a few games I just couldn't handle how long half a game took. Now my favourite NA sport is Ice Hockey due to the pace and physical nature (Dallas Stars ftw although they're having a shit season so far).
I wouldn't travel down to Wembley to watch the game but I hope it goes ahead. Miami is one of the teams that I like for no apparant reason (Ace Ventura probably) so I hope they play as I heard it would be them Vs the Giants.
SupraTwinTurbo
01-16-2007, 05:15 PM
I'm not so sure this is going to be a huge success. For the most part, the English HATE American football. Every English person I have talked to has told me that they detest most North American Sports. I don't know why they would want to take American Football to England.
AsHopeDies
01-16-2007, 05:31 PM
That's kind of gay. Think about it. The US don't do much by way of Rugby Union. Would it make sense to have the Gloucester vs Bath league game at the Rose Bowl? Nope.
If I were the NFL I'd open a new office, let's call it the IFL or FIAFL or something, start a periodical international knockout tournament to be staged around the world where there are American Football Leagues (supported by the FIAFL or whatever), and encourage the development of American Football (with coaching and stuff) in counties where the standard is rubbish.
I imagine a massive showcase for international American Football every 4 years would do more to promote the sport than some meaningless (to Londonders) league game. Though maybe the NFL are afraid of doing that because they can see what the success of Basketball and the inverse correlation it has had on the international results of team USA in the worlds and the olympics.
We have our own American Football league thanks.
You mean NFL Europe? Or are there other American Football leagues over there?
And let's be honest, American Football isn't popular enough globally to have a similar set up to the World Cup and to the international basketball and baseball competitions. But I agree that if they wanted to grow the sport globally that they should do just as you said, branch out to help leagues pop up and grown in other countries...similar to what they did with NFL Europe. But I think this proposed regular season game over there just proves that they, in fact, don't want "american football" to become popular overseas per se, but they want the NFL to become popular. Meaning more TV rights etc. for global fans. Which I don't think will work either, not with the popularity of other sports in those countries. I think they'd be better off to have something similar to what the EPL does. Like this preseason for example, Chelsea came over here and played a few clubs and a couple of all-star teams. I think that would get more attention then Chelsea coming and playing Arsenal in a regular season game. And hell, if it's Miami vs. NY Giants, it'd be more like Fulham vs. Wigan or some shit lol.
At this point the US team would just dominate a global competition...it would be pointless and there wouldn't be enough teams to field a tournament.
I'm not so sure this is going to be a huge success. For the most part, the English HATE American football. Every English person I have talked to has told me that they detest most North American Sports. I don't know why they would want to take American Football to England.
The NFL claims they have done extensive research that shows the fan base in England is embedded enough already to make this a success. I find that very hard to believe as well.
Mr. Heskey
01-16-2007, 06:27 PM
I used to like American Football but after trying to watch a few games I just couldn't handle how long half a game took. Now my favourite NA sport is Ice Hockey due to the pace and physical nature (Dallas Stars ftw although they're having a shit season so far).
I wouldn't travel down to Wembley to watch the game but I hope it goes ahead. Miami is one of the teams that I like for no apparant reason (Ace Ventura probably) so I hope they play as I heard it would be them Vs the Giants.
Good man....
You mean NFL Europe? Or are there other American Football leagues over there?
NFL Europe is a bullshit franchise, not a local league. What happened to the London Monarchs? The franchise passed to Berlin Thunder when the gates at Wembly weren't up to expectations. Same with Birmingham Fire (now Rhein Fire).
No if you want to see the sort of thing the NFL, or some other interbational governing body, should be encouraging I will refer you to the BAFL, the GFL, DAFF, APFL. Leagues where you can watch mainly local players playing local games against other games from the same region. Not like that continent wide Eurpoean holiday training camp for NFL and AFL players that is NFL Europe.
It wouldn't matter if a team USA dominated for decades. They did in Basketball and Baseball, but not anymore. Any real sportsman would relish the chance of having a crack all the same.
I think you're right though, this Wembly game isn't about promoting the wonders of American Football to an Association Football obsessed world, it's about pushing the NFL franchise into new markets.
I think loads of people will go to see cheerleaders and comedy referees... oh and fat blokes running into each other.
Wu-tang
01-16-2007, 11:43 PM
Weren't they supposed to have a game in China this year?
bobtheflob
01-16-2007, 11:45 PM
They should make the Giants be the home team. It would make up for the extra home game they got last year against New Orleans.
Fag Boy
01-17-2007, 01:30 AM
That's kind of gay. Think about it. The US don't do much by way of Rugby Union. Would it make sense to have the Gloucester vs Bath league game at the Rose Bowl? Nope.
If I were the NFL I'd open a new office, let's call it the IFL or FIAFL or something, start a periodical international knockout tournament to be staged around the world where there are American Football Leagues (supported by the FIAFL or whatever), and encourage the development of American Football (with coaching and stuff) in counties where the standard is rubbish.
I imagine a massive showcase for international American Football every 4 years would do more to promote the sport than some meaningless (to Londonders) league game. Though maybe the NFL are afraid of doing that because they can see what the success of Basketball and the inverse correlation it has had on the international results of team USA in the worlds and the olympics.
We have our own American Football league thanks.
OK, i guess i agree with almost all of that. That is until you said that stupid ass thing about the basketball. Don't try to go around acting as if the united states isn't good in basketball. Up until a few years ago they had only lost ONCE in my lifetime, and that goes for almost all the people on this forum. The united states dominated that sport like no other. Don't act as if it was just a fluke, and nobody else played basketball. I can guarantee you that the US will go undefeated in at least the next 4 Olympics. They lost in the last Olympics because that was not a talented team by any standards. They were not even a B-team, that was more of a C or D-team. Those were a bunch of washed up stars, rookies, and college players. All the united states has to do is put in the NBA all-star team in the Olympics and its game over. Do you not remember what happened the last time the united states lost in the Olympics, they came back with the best basketball team the world has ever seen.
and the world basketball tournament or whatever its called, nobody gives a shit about those, you are dreaming if you think they are important.
The NFL claims they have done extensive research that shows the fan base in England is embedded enough already to make this a success. I find that very hard to believe as well.
Bollocks to that, English people couldn't give a shit. I don't think I've ever heard people talk about Ameriball in schools, colleges, pubs, clubs etc and our media hardly gives it any time either. I really can't see Ameriball taking off in England, football is far too dominant for that to happen.
No offense to anyone, I'm just telling it how I see it.
AsHopeDies
01-17-2007, 11:03 AM
NFL Europe is a bullshit franchise, not a local league. What happened to the London Monarchs? The franchise passed to Berlin Thunder when the gates at Wembly weren't up to expectations. Same with Birmingham Fire (now Rhein Fire).
Yeah...that was my understanding of NFL Europe as well, wasn't familiar with the other local leagues.
No if you want to see the sort of thing the NFL, or some other interbational governing body, should be encouraging I will refer you to the BAFL, the GFL, DAFF, APFL. Leagues where you can watch mainly local players playing local games against other games from the same region. Not like that continent wide Eurpoean holiday training camp for NFL and AFL players that is NFL Europe.
That's interesting, I'll have to check those leagues out. Wasn't aware of American Football leagues over there.
It wouldn't matter if a team USA dominated for decades. They did in Basketball and Baseball, but not anymore. Any real sportsman would relish the chance of having a crack all the same.
Right, but my point was more that the interest in the sport isn't global enough to warrant the tournament...maybe I'm wrong there. It's a byproduct that the US would dominate, but I don't think American Football is as popular globally as Basketball and Baseball...could be wrong of course.
OK, i guess i agree with almost all of that. That is until you said that stupid ass thing about the basketball. Don't try to go around acting as if the united states isn't good in basketball. Up until a few years ago they had only lost ONCE in my lifetime, and that goes for almost all the people on this forum. The united states dominated that sport like no other. Don't act as if it was just a fluke, and nobody else played basketball. I can guarantee you that the US will go undefeated in at least the next 4 Olympics. They lost in the last Olympics because that was not a talented team by any standards. They were not even a B-team, that was more of a C or D-team. Those were a bunch of washed up stars, rookies, and college players. All the united states has to do is put in the NBA all-star team in the Olympics and its game over. Do you not remember what happened the last time the united states lost in the Olympics, they came back with the best basketball team the world has ever seen.
and the world basketball tournament or whatever its called, nobody gives a shit about those, you are dreaming if you think they are important.
Seriously dude...you really feel the need to argue like this? We aren't as dominant as we once were in Basketball for whatever reason. Even if that reason is because American basketball players don't get a shit enough to compete in these tournaments...it's still a reason.
And people do give a shit about the international tournaments...it's just you and other Americans...and apparently American players, who seem to think they aren't important.
Bollocks to that, English people couldn't give a shit. I don't think I've ever heard people talk about Ameriball in schools, colleges, pubs, clubs etc and our media hardly gives it any time either. I really can't see Ameriball taking off in England, football is far too dominant for that to happen.
No offense to anyone, I'm just telling it how I see it.
Yeah, none taken. From what a lot of you guys are saying...it is what it is. But with Meio talking about multiple American Football leagues over there, I'd say that kinda counteracts what you are saying...maybe there's more public interest then you are thinking.
If there is more public interest in England then I'd like to see where it's coming from, because I hardly ever hear about Ameriball, only the scores which come on Sky Sports and the odd game here n there at like 1am. It's a shame really because it would be interesting to actually go to a game and see what it's like rather than watch it on TV.
James Bond 007
01-17-2007, 12:59 PM
I'm not so sure this is going to be a huge success. For the most part, the English HATE American football. Every English person I have talked to has told me that they detest most North American Sports. I don't know why they would want to take American Football to England.
That isnt true, English people dont hate American sports, if you ask people on here Im sure they all have a passing interest in one or more American sports... Canty said he follows the Dallas Stars hockey team, USB said "For whatever reason" he likes the NFL. Me I like NASCAR and did have a period where I liked hockey and only stopped watching when they canceled the season a couple of years ago.
If they do host an American football game at the new Wembley there will be some interest but I think it would be more of a case of bcoz its something different and I think the novelty would soon wear off.
I think the Americans would love playing at the new Wembley though bcoz when its finaly completed its going to be the best sports venue in the world (also the most expensive and delayed) but I would be very surprised if there was 20,000 people in there. There is no way on earth it will be a 90,000 sell out even if tickets were free.
Wonder if any Americans would make the journey.... I bet there will be a small pocket of hardcore Dolphins or Giants fans that would.
If they do host an American football game at the new Wembley there will be some interest but I think it would be more of a case of bcoz its something different and I think the novelty would soon wear off.
I agree 100%
One of the main reasons everyone in england watch the superbowl, and all the celebs for to big partys is to see what's sooo gooa about it
OK, i guess i agree with almost all of that. That is until you said that stupid ass thing about the basketball. Don't try to go around acting as if the united states isn't good in basketball. Up until a few years ago they had only lost ONCE in my lifetime, and that goes for almost all the people on this forum. The united states dominated that sport like no other. Don't act as if it was just a fluke, and nobody else played basketball. I can guarantee you that the US will go undefeated in at least the next 4 Olympics. They lost in the last Olympics because that was not a talented team by any standards. They were not even a B-team, that was more of a C or D-team. Those were a bunch of washed up stars, rookies, and college players. All the united states has to do is put in the NBA all-star team in the Olympics and its game over. Do you not remember what happened the last time the united states lost in the Olympics, they came back with the best basketball team the world has ever seen.
and the world basketball tournament or whatever its called, nobody gives a shit about those, you are dreaming if you think they are important.
My point that until recently they dominated, but not any more still holds then doesn't it? Despite submitting a team full of NBA 'stars' they haven't won the worlds in 3 tries. The Spanish, Argentinians, Germans, Greeks, Chinese, Dutch and so on see the worlds as a very big deal indeed.
It reminds me of the early days of the World Cup. England thought it was a gay tournament and didn't even bother submitting a team initially... but then we've only won it once. Watch out for the Spanish team next year in the Olympics (if you don't get knocked out before then), because unless some of the NBA teams adopt a zone defence strategy on a regular basis, I can see team USA being taken apart again like they were by Greece in last years worlds.
Don't get me wrong I don't think that team USA are rubbish, just that the evidence points to the rest of the world having caught up while the US coaches are complacently sending under prepared teams to international tournaments.
Right, but my point was more that the interest in the sport isn't global enough to warrant the tournament...maybe I'm wrong there. It's a byproduct that the US would dominate, but I don't think American Football is as popular globally as Basketball and Baseball...could be wrong of course.
I don't think there is a global market for Baseball. I think that there are more countries on more continents that have Gridiron leagues than Baseball leagues. Isn't Baseball pretty much confined to the North American continent and Japan?
poopchow
01-17-2007, 04:40 PM
They should make the Giants be the home team. It would make up for the extra home game they got last year against New Orleans.
exactly what I was thinking.
I dont like the idea, plus the fact that their bodies will be so messed up as they will have to take the trip on limited days for practice and will have to come back with shitty health and play a few days later.
i hope that made sense, because im too lazy to fix that
AsHopeDies
01-17-2007, 04:46 PM
I don't think there is a global market for Baseball. I think that there are more countries on more continents that have Gridiron leagues than Baseball leagues. Isn't Baseball pretty much confined to the North American continent and Japan?
The world baseball classic this year was:
China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, USA, Cuba, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico, Australia, Dominican Repub, Italy, and Venezuela.
It may be arguable as to whether there is a "global" market for Baseball. But it is freakishly popular in North America, Latino countries (mainly central america) and in Asia. Where-as, even if there are american football leagues in other countries...they aren't very popular.
As far as American Football, this is what I could find quickly about it: The sport is popular as an amateur activity in Mexico and American Samoa and to a lesser extent in Japan, Europe, Korea, New Zealand and Australia.
As far as American Football, this is what I could find quickly about it: The sport is popular as an amateur activity in Mexico and American Samoa and to a lesser extent in Japan, Europe, Korea, New Zealand and Australia.
Well that's good enough, it doesn't need to be professional everywhere to have a World Cup style tournament. Though maybe the NFL and AFL should form a national team and play periodic test matches against countries that are prepared to do likewise, like the Rugby and the Cricket. I'm sure the Germans would be up for it, and maybe even a with a few Union and League players on their summer holidays if they weren't touring (and Dwain Chambers) we would too. We'd get trampled, but at least we'd have someone to cheer on that we gave a shit about.
Masterbasser412
01-17-2007, 05:08 PM
Oh...London, ENGLAND. :(
Oh...London, ENGLAND. :(
Yeah? Why, what were you thinking? :)
^^ i think he's from london ONTARIO
Where's that? When did the Roman's go there and why would they call 2 places the same name? Hmm... I'm confused.
Nick is cool
01-17-2007, 07:31 PM
My point that until recently they dominated, but not any more still holds then doesn't it? Despite submitting a team full of NBA 'stars' they haven't won the worlds in 3 tries. The Spanish, Argentinians, Germans, Greeks, Chinese, Dutch and so on see the worlds as a very big deal indeed.
It reminds me of the early days of the World Cup. England thought it was a gay tournament and didn't even bother submitting a team initially... but then we've only won it once. Watch out for the Spanish team next year in the Olympics (if you don't get knocked out before then), because unless some of the NBA teams adopt a zone defence strategy on a regular basis, I can see team USA being taken apart again like they were by Greece in last years worlds.
Don't get me wrong I don't think that team USA are rubbish, just that the evidence points to the rest of the world having caught up while the US coaches are complacently sending under prepared teams to international tournaments.
I don't think there is a global market for Baseball. I think that there are more countries on more continents that have Gridiron leagues than Baseball leagues. Isn't Baseball pretty much confined to the North American continent and Japan?
I know they havent done that good lately, but like fag boy said, they dont have the best from the usa. They have a couple average nba players, rookies, and college players. If they had say shaq, kobe bryant, tracy mcgrady, steve nash, paul pierce and those type of nba superstars they would dominate every year. I dont know that much about the nba but i know that most of the best players dont go to the olympics.
Let's not bicker about why the US might have been playing like shit in international tournaments recently, this is a thread about NFL in London.
Still, this guy has some interesting points:
http://www0.epinions.com/content_4071006340
Roameyoe
01-17-2007, 08:43 PM
Why don't they have one in an area where football is very popular. Like Vancouver, or Toronto.
AsHopeDies
01-17-2007, 09:46 PM
Why don't they have one in an area where football is very popular. Like Vancouver, or Toronto.
Because, it seems, they are trying to raise the awareness and popularity elsewhere. The NFL would benefit more from converting some fans in England than appeasing the Canadian fans...sad but true.
Fag Boy
01-17-2007, 11:04 PM
And people try to say nobody plays football there
http://www.bafl.org.uk/
LOL, they even make fun of reggie bush in their forums
I already mentioned BAFL. Not as popular as it was 20 years ago, but still going. Shame Leicester Panthers folded otherwise I might give a shit. Which is part of the point, I don't have a home team (including a national team) that I can support.
There isn't just the BAFL, there's also the BCAFL http://www.bcafl.org/ which ivolves 39 teams.
I think that it would get a fairly positive reception but there are considerations. Firstly whether there would be enough interest to make using a 90,000 seat stadium worthwhile because it's not going to do the image of the game any good if the stadium is only half full. Secondly, the rate Wembley is going there will probably be some other major problem which will stop it being finished in time. Finally, it depends on what people are prepared to pay Vs what they are going to charge.
Wu-tang
02-03-2007, 12:39 AM
Well it's official, Giants vs. Dolphins. Both teams better get a fucking bye week after this game. Doesn't matter really for the Dolphins, even if we played at Miami there'd still be a lot of Giants fans there.
Steeda
02-03-2007, 12:51 AM
ill be pissed if we lose
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