NFL in talks on London Super Bowl

Dmac · 04-24-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBC Sport

NFL in talks on London Super Bowl

The NFL has had 'substantive talks' with officials in London about holding the Super Bowl in the city, a senior league official has told BBC Sport.

While commissioner Roger Goodell has previously admitted an interest in bringing the game to London, this is the first confirmation of discussions.

"We've spoken on what it would take to host and for us to bring it over," said events vice-president Frank Supovitz.

"The city has all the facilities needed, and in great quantity."

Supovitz was talking in New York City where the NFL Draft will take place this weekend.

"We have had very substantive conversations with the city of London. We've got to the point of exploring the bid document," he added.

Visit London, the capital's official visitor organisation, confirmed that it was pursuing a long-term ambition to bring the Super Bowl to the city.

"Ever since the NFL began playing games in London we have been in discussions with the NFL about what is involved in staging Super Bowl from the host city perspective," said commercial director David Hornby.

"It continues to be something we discuss on a regular basis, without there being any specific timetable or plan in place."

The venues for the next three Super Bowls have already been decided with Dolphin Stadium in Florida, Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas and the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana putting together successful bids.

But London has become the focal point for the NFL's desire to expand the sport globally, and bringing the sport's showpiece event to the city appears to be a real possibility.

Mark Waller, NFL Head of Sales and Marketing, said: "The NFL is a global property, has a global audience, and London is an incredible city from a sports fan's perspective. I don't think it's an unrealistic prospect at all."

Visit London, the capital's official visitor organisation, confirmed that it was pursuing a long-term ambition to bring the Super Bowl to the city.

"Ever since the NFL began playing games in London we have been in discussions with the NFL about what is involved in staging Super Bowl from the host city perspective," said commercial director David Hornby.

"It continues to be something we discuss on a regular basis, without there being any specific timetable or plan in place."

The venues for the next three Super Bowls have already been decided with Dolphin Stadium in Florida, Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas and the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana putting together successful bids.

But London has become the focal point for the NFL's desire to expand the sport globally, and bringing the sport's showpiece event to the city appears to be a real possibility.

Mark Waller, NFL Head of Sales and Marketing, said: "The NFL is a global property, has a global audience, and London is an incredible city from a sports fan's perspective. I don't think it's an unrealistic prospect at all."

Not really a fan but it would be a big step for the sport to widen outside of the US.

James Deuce · 04-24-2009, 11:39 AM

Lol, if this happens I'm sure America would riot.

MR. PEACHES · 04-24-2009, 11:47 AM

The game would also have screen on TV live during the morning - midday I think due to time zones.

Jayman · 04-24-2009, 01:16 PM

This would be a horrible idea in my opinion.

Peaches touched on one thing, that being the time difference. As long as I can remember, the Superbowl was shown on Sunday at 6pm EST. That would mean London would have to start it around 11pm their time (or midnight depending). That obviously wouldn't work, so for them to start it earlier would mean we'd see it in the states during the day.

No, no no.

The more important topic is money. The Superbowl brings with it millions of dollars of revenue to the city that hosts it. Why on earth would the NFL want to allow that to a city not in America? Football is an American sport. The Superbowl isn't just a game, it's a 2-week event. The coverage for it is unlike anything we have in this country, and its because of that we see millions of dollars pouring into the city in terms of hotel reservations, restaurant revenue, merchandising from the local shopowners, tourist attractions in said town get a large boost in numbers......

I know when we had the Superbowl here in Detroit a few years ago, it was a significant help to the city and really helped us dig out of a hole financially to some aspect. In this recession we're currently in, it would be robbery to take away the Superbowl from a city in America.

I am fine with games being played overseas during the pre-season, regular season..heck, even a playoff game would be okay in my book. But the Superbowl? No, no no.

I understand it's a football game, but it really is more than that. So yes, while I understand the case of bringing the sport to other countries, I don't think that's a necessary step for Goodell to take. The biggest fans of the sport of football should be attending the Superbowl, and if played in London, you would lose a lot of that due to those that cannot afford the time and money to fly across the Atlantic.

It's like when I attended a Red Wings playoff game last year...I sat next to a guy with a 3 year old kid. That kid, who had no idea what was going on (or even cared) had a ticket to a game that hundreds of other fans would've died to try and get. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I think games as important as Finals and Superbowls should be made to be seen live by fans that are diehards. Most fans in the UK wouldn't care if they attended a preseason NFL game, or the Superbowl...so that's why I'm dumbfounded as to this possible scenario.

Timmy Tebow · 04-24-2009, 01:20 PM

NO! Terrible idea. Their London games don't even draw a normal sized crowd when they go there for a regular season game. Keep it in the states where it belongs!

Crest Fall · 04-24-2009, 03:48 PM

The NFL needs to realize that most English people just don't care about American Football.

I mean don't they get enough money by selling crappy jerseys that will fade in less than one wash, seriously overrated ticket prices, and advertising from its partners?

And as Jayman said, the Super Bowl brings a whole lot of money & excitement to the city where its hosted. Cleveland could sure use a Super Bowl, I'll tell 'ya.

Quote:

The game would also have screen on TV live during the morning - midday I think due to time zones.

You're right. If the game were to start in England at 8, the game would start here in the East at 3, then noon for the West. I think that'd be kind of lame to watch the Super Bowl so early in the day.

Doctor Doom · 04-24-2009, 10:36 PM

The timing of the Super Bowl in London won't achieve very high Nielsen ratings IMO. I wonder how many people from England watch american football and how many us americans watch soccer from other countries? This is very unpopular to the american people and I hope it's not a official move by the NFL because it will be a major flop and it'll make Roger Goodell a complete dumbass.

Gouldinho · 04-24-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy Tebow

NO! Terrible idea. Their London games don't even draw a normal sized crowd when they go there for a regular season game. Keep it in the states where it belongs!

The last 2 games were sold out near 90,000. The applications for Tampa Bay V New England have already been posted. Im against the Super Bowl being out of the US though. It belongs in America and it wouldnt be fair on the week in week out support although they dont really end up getting tickets for the game itself.

Toaster Oven · 04-25-2009, 12:58 AM

what a fucking joke lol. I'd hate to be a player in the Super Bowl if they played it in London.

NFL in talks on London Super Bowl

This is a discussion on NFL in talks on London Super Bowl within the North American Sports forums, part of the Sports Forums category; Originally Posted by BBC Sport NFL in talks on London Super Bowl The NFL has had 'substantive talks' with officials ...