NFL International Series Game in 2010 | IXGAMES
The popularity of the NFL games in the U.S. is at an all-time high. Nevertheless, the league has never neglected the NFL International Series and hopes to gain more traction in promoting the league and the game to international audiences. San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos for International Series 2010 For 2010, Wembley Stadium in London will play host to an NFL game on October 31. It will be the San Francisco 49ers versus the “visiting” Denver Broncos. While games like these are considered a regular part of the season schedule, what’s important to note is the expectation of the league and its commissioner to start organizing and playing more games, specifically regular season ones, in Britain. The league has suggested that aside from providing an avenue for better international promotion, it can also open the door to international franchises and more overseas games for every team in the league. International promotion and exposure The ever-growing popularity of the NFL only reinforces the idea that the international market should be receptive to expansion plans by the league. It’s even been suggested for a while now that an overseas Super Bowl game is a possibility that should be further discussed. Of course, this is a proposal for the next decade or so, but its appeal is currently undeniable. More international exposure and promotion is ideal for the NFL because of the infrastructure improvements that go along with the games. The added broadcast coverage by Sky Sports and the BBC, for example, will introduce the sport to an audience that would typically ignore the NFL because of its image as an American-only sport. Breaking these stereotypes is important to the league not only for the potential financial benefits, but also as a way to promote American football as an international sport. It should not be relegated to only North America as much as Rugby, for example, is mostly popular only in the U.K., Australia and the former British colonies. Sport fans can be extremely loyal to a specific sport or to a team. This fact can be utilized to further promote the NFL to the international community. Team ownership is one such example where the NFL can take advantage of this. Soccer’s Manchester United, for example, is owned by Malcom Glazer. What’s interesting is the fact that he also owns the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s this name recognition, whether it’s the owner, player, or manager of a particular team, that opens the door to gaining more followers and fans. Several games in the UK and other locations, instead of just one every year or so, is a goal that is being seriously considered by the NFL. The record attendance observed at Wembley Stadium every time an NFL game is played there is encouraging the league to expand this further, and individual teams to bid more aggressively to be a part of these games.