Today the New York Giants play the Miami Dolphins in the first regular season (American) football game on foreign soil. Sounds cool huh? Well, yes and no. I am a big Giants fan. I also have many friends who live in
England. When I first heard the news about the game, I was going to make plans to go to the game. I emailed my English mates and told them of the news, and how my wife and I might cross the pond to see the game and make a vacation out of it as well. They were excited that I might be coming over to see them, but not all that interested in the game. Which did not surprise me.
I live in
New Jersey and have been to many a football game at Giants Stadium. Both Jets, and Giants. So I thought it would be cool to see the Giants play in
London. But as I got more details on idea, it did not add up. First there was the cost. With the airline flight, game tickets, and hotel we were pushing north of $2,000 each. Not including food and other incidentals. Then of course there is the time of year . It’s late October. That’s a busy time of year for most of us Americans. Kids are in school, the holidays are around the corner, and so on. In the end we decided not to go.
This all got me thinking: what is the NFL doing here anyway? As I have been reading about the game this week, it seems that the NFL is trying to branch out to a global market. By putting a regular season game in
London, they are sure to see a much more competitive game than the other exhibition games that have been played there before. And for sure the Giants and Dolphins will put on a much better show than the Euro- NFL has ever had. Even though the Dolphins are 0-7, they should put up a decent fight.
Even still, does the NFL really think it can expand into
Europe some how? I here the NFL is looking into doing this more next year. They are scouting
Germany and
Mexico for locations. There is even talk of having a Super Bowl in another country. I understand what they are trying to do: Get more money in the end. Reach the rest of the world with the power of the NFL, and its huge marketing and merchandizing arm. Sell more jerseys, hats, and everything else that comes with an NFL logo on it. Imaging walking down the Champs-Élysées and seeing a Frenchman in a Pittsburgh Steelers cap, instead of a beret. There are a few reasons I don’t think this approach will work: First the home team fans. Instead of getting to see your team play 8 home games, now you will only get 7. But you still have to pay for the pre season tickets. The home team will lose its home team advantage. If you want to go to the game, you can, but get your wallet ready, and clear your calendar for a few days. In spreading the NFL word, they are putting out the long time local football fans, which are as loyal as you can get. Also, it’s a huge distraction for the teams themselves. The time difference, the routines the teams have. It’s all being disrupted. Second, I have been to
Europe and guess what; they don’t really like American football. The big sport over there is soccer. (But don’t call it soccer or you will get quite a stare). They also have
Rugby, which is close to football. But as we all know is not really the same. I watched a bit when I was over there and I still don’t get the rules, or understand why the do certain things that they do. They are very passionate about their sports. Just as we are if not more passionate. But they are hot wired for futball, rugby, and oh yes, cricket. It’s going to be a hard sell. When I was over there I tried my hardest to convince them of the virtues of the NFL. But they just can’t get past the helmets and pads. I told them they need the pads. “Just look at how hard they hit each other”. And just like I don’t understand the rules of rugby and cricket, they can’t follow the rules of football.
What the NFL should really do is have an NFL, or football network over there. It could include college games as well. Pick out the best games of the week, and show them. Come on, who would not be riveted to the Colts vs. the Patriots? Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady. The Cowboys vs. the Giants. Manning vs. Romo The pre game shows could be geared for people who don’t understand the rules. Explain the rules, and the rivalry’s. I think in time they would get it. Just like we all did. Then you can start bringing games over there. Who knows, maybe in time the NFL could become international. Imagine the Super Bowl being the Chicago Bears vs. the South Hampton Centurions. But for now, we will watch the game at home on the telly. Make some fish and chips, and every time the Giants score a touchdown I will have my wife bring me a pint.
