NFL in London

National Football League in London

NFL London

Popeyes UK-Review

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As a group with some native North Americans, we thought we would try to pair some of our home cooking, with a slate of Week 13 NFL games. 

Well, not really home-cooking, we decided to go with Popeyes Chicken, as the franchise has now made a ceremonious arrival on UK shores.

Surely this new kid in town would provide a yummy alternative to the endless BBQ’s and deep fried wings we usually host for ourselves? 

Nope, it was a total shitshow, so let’s break down it went in our Popeyes UK-Review.

The Menu

The menu itself is a redacted version of one you might find in North America, as many of these Popeyes come from ‘dark kitchens’, where not even the chefs are privy to the whole menu. 

We decided to use Just Eat, as Deliveroo continually ‘forgot’ our login details, so we opted for the service which was the least pain in the ass. Big mistake. 

At first we wanted to order up the Value Bundle of 4 sandwiches with wings, but upon realising that none of this came with fries, spending almost £40 on chicken sandwiches was sort of ludicrous. 

We opted for a classic Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich, the festive chicken burger with habanero and sage stuffing. Never had it before, and it sounded like the right way to kick off a Thanksgiving weekend of games. 

We added some BBQ wings, and some of the Popeye’s famous gravy to chug. Clickety-tickety boom, and hit submit. We purposely ordered right on the hour, so that we could track the progress like real lazy pants fans. Order confirmed, looks like it will arrive in 25-40 minutes. 

Wait

As we started to get hangry, we popped for the arrival of this famous chicken, even cleaning up a bit, like the chicken sandwich would judge us for the state of this NFL party. 

A quick check of the app showed that it had been pushed back 40 to 50 minutes, which is why it’s always good to screen shot these for proof when they eventually mess up, and blame you. 

As the time started to countdown to arrival, a curious thing happened, the time kept pushing back again. We had now been waiting 40 minutes, and it was still going to be another 40. Hmmm, on a Sunday night? 

One of the guys got impetuous, popped out of his seat while watching his team, and went to collect a pizza out of frustration. The rest of us laughed, ‘it’ll get here before you get backdate!’ Spoiller alert, it didn’t so we fired up the deep fryer and started tossing everything Costco in for stomach’s sake. 

With the pizza and shrimp torpedo’s mowed down, it was time to check in with Just Eat, which we now referred to as ‘Just Don’t Eat’. Still another 30 minutes, and we had just hit the 1 hour mark.

Just as we were about to hit the cancel order for over £40 worth of food, we got a notice that our driver was en route, and would be less than 15 minutes. Uh huh, sure. As we followed his moped on the little map, the 15 minutes started to wane, morphing into 20, 25, then staying at 15 again. 

By this point the hanger was gone, and replaced by sheer giddy goofiness that on a quiet Sunday night, a bag of chicken would take less time to arrive than it would to make a roast chicken dinner for 4. 

One hundred and 10 minutes later, there was a buzz at the door, the food was already here. Thanks to the wait, beer and empty stomachs, we had a little buzz of our own going on. 

The driver was unapologetic, and responded angrily to the query ‘wonder how cold this is going to be?’
It was time to taste it. 

The Food

Just like Lambeau Field in December, the food was so cold, it could be kicked through some uprights. 

The original chicken sandwich had turned to a cold slop from the sauce, and a few bites were taken with a grimace, while the rest was tossed into the back yard for the foxes to salvage. Even they had given up waiting by this point. 

The Festive Burger was like a family debate over politics, just ugly, and not something that you planned on getting involved in. Clumps of stuffing piled on the floor, like a childhood pillow. It was chalky on the tongue, and immediately scrape worthy. 

With the Festive Burger also being tossed to the fence, it was time to try the wings! Cold wings are usually good, right? Usually. These were slathered in a tart BBQ sauce that had an ‘is this off?’ vibe about it. They were some tiny, and bony, that getting meat off of them was easier just to ‘suck’.

As we decided to dip one of the wings in the special biscuit gravy, we checked the bags…and uh oh! They forgot the sauce. Should we call back? How long would that take? 

The Verdict 

It’s hard to tell who to blame in this debacle, but it would seem that Just Eat would have to shoulder the bulk of it for the sheer ineptitude of their process. 

Popeyes was able to take the order, but Just Don’t Eat struggled with the processing of the order, as well as the delivery. 

Let’s just say the whole thing left a bad taste in all our mouthes, and made us embarrassed to be North Americans, knowing somehow our British friends would layer the blame on us, and our crappy franchises. 

This truly one crappy meal, and we won’t be doing that again. 0/5 stars and stripes. 

As of publication, we have heard nothing back from Popeyes or Just Eat. How sad. 

London Called

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Another fantastic set of UK NFL games has gone off splendidly, as we take a look back at our triad of matches in a London Called segment.

First off, how about a hand to the NFLUK for once again pulling off another incredible international series at Tottenham and Wembley for our October 2024 matches. It was another fantastic three weeks f games, fans, and excitement.

Let’s take a look back at the games that London was treated to, and all the action in the league associated with them!

Week 5

NY Jets 17 Minnesota Vikings 23

October 6th was out first London game, and what a treat it was, as Aaron Rodgers came to town with his squad of undeniable talent to take on an undefeated Minnesota Vikings squad.

Tottenham Stadium rocked out with over 61,000 fans to see Garrett Wilson catch for over 100 yards in a losing effort to the stout Vikings D. Andrew Van Ginkel electrified the crowd when he ran back a pick-6 in the first quarter in a game that had north London shaking.

In the end the Jets took another ‘L’, but not as big as coach Robert Salah, who was fired after the trip, and may have enjoyed an extra few days on hitting a Wetherspoons and soaking up his shame over 99 pence Boddington’s.

A great first game to kick off the series, and whet the appetite of London fans.

Week 6

Jacksonville Jaguars 16 Chicago Bears 35

It was a Bears beatdown in north London, as Caleb Williams rocked into Spurs stadium with a demonstrative hammering of the Jaguars in front of their ‘home’ nation.

Once again the rafters were filled to the hilt, as over 61,000 fans filled Tottenham stadium in a swarm of blue and orange, as it was definitely a Chicago home game.

Making this game even sweeter was the fact it was one of the few London games to hit the ‘over’, with the Jags porous D allowing Caleb and company to put this game out of reach before it began.

The weather might have been chilly, but the warmth of the NFC north faithful made sure that the last game at Tottenham for 2024 was one that Bears fans would never forget.

Week 7

New England Patriots 16 Jacksonville Jaguars 32

It was a true double-up for the final London game, as the Jags were able to secure a ‘W’ with a much needed victory over the Patriots on a cloudy day at Wembley.

Much was made of the UK being given two 1-5 teams for the last of the series, but this one might have been one of the most exciting one for many reasons.

Perhaps it was the radiant smile of Drake Maye who brought the sun out in the second half, although he was no match for a fired up Trevor Lawrence who was looking to silence the salary-haters who have been chirping on his socials.

Tank Bigsby was the Jags workhorse on the ground, pounding into the Pats, and awakening a crowd of almost 90,000 NFL faithful in northwest London.

Both teams flew out immediately after the game, and as far as we know, no one has lost their job yet.

London 2025

It’s hard to believe that the 2024 season is already halfway done, as we round our way to Halloween and Christmas, knowing that the NFL is well and truly our real special holiday.

So who will be coming to London in 2025, and how many games will we get?
Wish we could answer those questions for you, you’ll have to wait until March 2025 to actually know who that might be.

At the end of the day, the fact that we were able to watch 6 awesome teams play a game in our own backyard is beyond special.

Thanks again to the NFL, the teams, the players, the fans and everyone who made these NFL in London games well and truly magical.

Of course, we will still have loads more NFL events in London to promote.

London BearDown and More!

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As Week 6 of the NFL season approaches, the Chicago Bears are taking centre stage with their upcoming October 13th international game in London. This marquee matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is more than just another game—it’s part of a broader global push for the NFL and the city of Chicago. Alongside this international excitement, major storylines continue to unfold across the league, from quarterback controversies to injuries. 

So let’s dive into the most important news heading into Week 6, starting with the Bears’ big London arrival.

Beardown Tottenham

The Chicago Bears have landed in London already, bringing a wave of excitement ahead of their highly anticipated matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 13. The Bears are no strangers to international play, but this trip marks a special opportunity for both the team and the city of Chicago to make a statement on the global stage.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is also in town, traveling with World Business Chicago, as part of a broader mission to position Chicago as a global hub for business and innovation. Johnson’s visit includes high-level meetings and key announcements, and a few fun trips to the pub (perhaps?).

While Chicago’s business community aims to strengthen ties with London, the Bears have their own agenda—bringing the energy of Soldier Field across the Atlantic. They’ve organised a series of fan events at the Greenwood Sports Pub, where London-based Bears fans can meet former players, grab autographs, and enjoy a slice of Chicago football culture. 

As mentioned in previous articles, the Greenwood isn’t the best sports bar for North American authenticity, as the McDonald’s in Victoria station was serving up better food than any of the events we ran there. 

Bring lots of money, as it is one of the priciest sports pubs in the city, even though it isn’t close to anything, 

These events, which run from October 9-13, include appearances from beloved Bears alumni like Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Anthony “Spice” Adams, alongside giveaways, trivia, and more.

For those attending the game, or simply fans looking to immerse themselves in the Chicago football atmosphere, the Bears’ week-long takeover in London culminates with a viewing party at the Greenwood on October 13. Even if fans can’t make it to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they’ll be able to watch the game in true Bears fashion at the pub, decked out in team colors with face painters on-site to get everyone game-ready. FYI the pub closes at 11 on a Sunday, and will happily kick out fans looking to watch the 9pm games. 

The Bears have had a mixed history in London, winning against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley in 2011 but falling to the Oakland Raiders in 2019. As they prepare to face the Jaguars in what promises to be a thrilling contest, the excitement in London is palpable. With events designed to engage local fans and promote Chicago on an international stage, this trip is a major moment for both the team and the city. All eyes will be on the Bears as they aim to capture a win and leave their mark on the international stage.

Russell Wilson’s Potential Return in Pittsburgh

In other news, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a looming decision regarding their quarterback situation. After back-to-back losses, and with Justin Fields’ struggles against the Cowboys, the door may be open for Russell Wilson’s return to the starting lineup. Head coach Mike Tomlin will address the situation during his weekly press conference, but speculation is growing that Wilson could get the nod as early as Week 6 against the Raiders.

Wilson, who has been recovering from an injury, is reportedly getting healthier and could offer the offensive spark the Steelers desperately need. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but the offence has stalled in recent weeks, and with prime-time games against the New York Jets and Giants on the horizon, the timing could be perfect for a change. Wilson’s experience and ability to read defences might be just what the Steelers need to get back on track.

Joe Flacco Continues to Impress in Indy

Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is turning heads with his standout performances. The 39-year-old QB threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns in the Colts’ Week 5 game, stepping in seamlessly for the injured Anthony Richardson. Despite his age, Flacco has defied expectations, making five consecutive starts with over 300 yards and multiple TDs.

The Colts are in the thick of the playoff race, and Flacco’s resurgence is providing them with stability at the quarterback position. If he continues this level of play, Indianapolis could make a serious postseason push, thanks in no small part to the veteran’s leadership and sharp passing game.

Deshaun Rubs Himself Out

Deshaun Watson’s rough start to the 2024 season hit a new low in Week 5, as the Cleveland Browns were dominated 34-13 by the Washington Commanders. Watson’s performance was underwhelming once again, and he was outclassed by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Watson has yet to throw for more than 200 yards in a game this season, and he’s been sacked at least six times in three separate contests.

For a quarterback commanding a $230 million contract, these numbers are troubling. Watson’s inability to elevate the Browns’ offense is one of the most pressing issues for the team heading into Week 6. If he doesn’t turn things around soon, the Browns could be looking at another disappointing season.

Patriots Eye No. 1 Draft Pick Amid Freefall

It’s been a rough season for the New England Patriots, who have now dropped four straight games following their surprise Week 1 win. The losses have piled up, and the team’s poor performance has them on track for a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Head coach Jared Mayo will need to work some magic to salvage the season, but at this point, it’s looking like a rebuild might be the Patriots’ best option moving forward.

The Patriots’ offensive struggles have been particularly alarming, as they’ve failed to establish any consistent rhythm, and every QB is getting constant pressure up front. If their slide continues, don’t be surprised if the team starts making moves to position themselves for a high draft pick next year.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Out for Season

The Kansas City Chiefs will be without one of their rising stars, as wide receiver Rashee Rice is set to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Rice suffered the injury in Week 4 when quarterback Patrick Mahomes accidentally collided with him while trying to recover an interception. The Chiefs have confirmed that Rice will undergo surgery to repair his LCL, and there’s optimism that his ACL remains undamaged.

Rice’s absence will be a blow to the Chiefs’ and Mahomes, as he was becoming an integral part of Mahomes’ passing attack. However, with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are well-positioned to weather the storm, though they’ll need other receivers to step up as the season progresses. Looking at you Davante! 

Streaming Services See NFL Boost

Finally, a new study from Ampere Analysis highlights the incredible power the NFL has over streaming services. During the NFL season, platforms like YouTube TV and Fubo see a massive 77% increase in sign-ups, driven by the league’s unparalleled popularity. The Super Bowl remains the biggest subscription driver, with over 410,000 sign-ups recorded in a single day during last year’s championship.

As more games move to streaming exclusives, the relationship between the NFL and these services will continue to grow. It’s clear that the NFL remains a major force not just in sports but in the broader entertainment landscape, as fans flock to streaming platforms to catch the action every week.

With the Chicago Bears making headlines in London and plenty of drama across the league, Week 6 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting of the 2024 NFL season. Watch this space for more Bears and Jags news ahead of Sunday. 

Vikings vs Jets London Events

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Are you ready for some NFL Jets and Vikings fans in the UK? As London gears up to host the highly anticipated NFL matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, fans from both sides are in for more than just game day excitement. Leading up to the big clash, both teams have a lineup of events that will bring fans closer to the action and create an unforgettable atmosphere across the city. So to help you plan your week more effectively, here’s a breakdown of all the Vikings vs Jets London events ahead of this thrilling NFL showdown.

Vikings Events in London

Although both teams aren’t expected until the very last minute, The Minnesota Vikings are ready to paint London purple with several exciting events planned throughout the week. Fans will have the chance to mingle, celebrate, and immerse themselves in all things Vikings in the lead-up to the game.

Greenwood Victoria Pub Takeover

Starting on Wednesday, October 2nd, Vikings fans can head to the Greenwood Sports Pub at 170 Victoria Street, London for an exclusive week-long takeover. The pub will be transformed into a Vikings-themed haven, providing a perfect pre-game atmosphere for the purple faithful. Not sure how far they are going to go with the Viking theme. 

Expect appearances from Vikings Legends, making it a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the team’s greats. Along with the chance to meet these former players, there will be plenty of competitions, giveaways, and quizzes to keep the energy high throughout the week.

Vikings events will be held at the notoriously pricey, Greenwood Pub, where we previously held a season of NFL in London events. Hopefully they have upped their food game, as most of our fans opted to buy McDonald’s from the station by week 3. The Greenwood is located near Victoria station, and not much else. 

Vikings Tailgate Party

For those wanting even more excitement, a Vikings Tailgate Party is also scheduled at the Greenwood for Friday October 4th. Despite being billed as a ‘Tailgate’ this event will be held indoors, and you cannot bring your own food or drink. There will also be NO NCAA football on, but they will be showing Sunderland vs Leeds. Fans can expect ‘fun games’ (sic), music, and plenty of Vikings-themed activities to get everyone in the mood for Sunday’s game. Fun games…in a bar?

The rally will be a fantastic opportunity for tourists to the UK to meet fellow Vikings fans, experience London beer prices firsthand, and gear up for what promises to be an intense battle against the Jets.

The Vikings UK group are also promoting an ‘Outernet Immersive Experience’, which sounds like something from a P Diddy party, but promises special guests and appearances, much like Diddy’s.
It’s being held at Outernet at Tottenham Court road, and no, we haven’t heard of it either. 

Prior to the game, the Vikings will have a FanZone inside the stadium, at the south-east corner. 

Jets Events in London

Not to be outdone, the New York Jets also have several events planned for their fans, ensuring that London turns a shade of green in the run-up to the game. Jets supporters can look forward to a range of exciting activities, with less of a corporate feel to the Vikings activities. 

Jets Kickoff Party

Jets fans looking to get their green on with fellow fans can head to the Jets Kickoff Party on Friday October 4th, at the Redwood Pub near London bridge. 

Located in east London, near Borough Market, this will be a great chance for Jets fans to cheer, drink beer, and sample some of Aaron Rodgers darkness retreat tricks. Although we have never been, it is owned by the same people as the Greenwood, so expect comparable prices and offerings. 

The party is advertised as going from 6pm-late, so make sure that you get there early to secure a seat. 

On Saturday October 5th, there is a Jets Touchdown Tailgate planned at Ely’s Yard in Shoreditch. Kicking off from noon to 9pm, this is the perfect chance to get day-wasted with fellow fans, and feel like a bag of toys in the morning just before the game.  Forecast is for rain all weekend, so be prepared.

Whether you’ve been following the Jets for years or are a new fan, this is an unmissable event that will bring you closer to the history and spirit of the team. It’s the perfect way to cap off a week of celebrations before the big game on Sunday.

Gameday Excitement at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

On Sunday, October 6th, all roads lead to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the big game. With a 14:30 p.m. BST kickoff, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win in front of a sold-out crowd. The energy inside the stadium will be electric as fans of both teams come together for this monumental NFL clash.

The Vikings are entering the game with an undefeated season, while the Jets are hungry to make their mark. As Aaron Rodgers leads the Jets against his former backup Sam Darnold, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

If you don’t have tickets for the game, you can join fellow Jets fans at the Redwood Pub near London bridge, where they will be showing the game. 

Matchup Preview

The Vikings enter as 2.5-point favorites, but the Jets, led by their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are sure to put up a fight. This game holds special significance for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, facing his former team on an international stage.

Historical context adds another layer of intrigue:

  • All-time series: Jets lead 8-4
  • Last meeting: Vikings won 27-22 (2022)
  • Recent trend: Vikings have won the last three encounters
  • London games tend to go Under

The Other Football

For any NFL fans making their way to the game this Sunday, just a reminder that you are in the land of ‘soccer’. 

You won’t find dozens of TV’s showing NCAA here, rather a few tiny pubs with a small screen playing the beautiful game.
This will be even more poignant on Saturday and Sunday, when there are plenty of matches on all day. 

That being said, many of the Saturday footie matches are London based, meaning you can try to get tickets in the busy city. 

On Saturday October 5th, home games are being played for Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, and Arsenal. Sunday sees Chelsea at home, and a 4:30 Tottenham away match, which will be on every TV in the sports pubs. 

With a lineup of  Vikings and Jets events scheduled throughout London, the build-up to the NFL showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises to be thrilling for fans of both teams.

Make sure to soak in all the events, and get ready for an unforgettable NFL experience in London, culminating with the big game on Sunday. It’s going to be a week to remember!

Have fun Jets and Vikings fans, and welcome to London!

Promote Your NFL Events with Us!

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With the NFL returning to London in 2024 for another thrilling series of games, it’s time for pubs and bars across the city to take advantage of the excitement and welcome a new wave of American football fans. If you’re a pub or bar in the city, why not promote your NFL events with us!
The NFL London games are an ideal opportunity for venues to boost their footfall by hosting NFL-themed events, screenings, and parties. Whether your venue is near the stadiums or nestled in a lively part of town, or just so dang cool that people NEED to see it, advertising your NFL events can attract new customers and increase your visibility.

At our NFL in London platform, we can help you spread the word about your upcoming events to NFL fans all across the UK. With over 3 million weekly followers across all of our social media platforms, your bar or pub could be front and center in front of a massive audience. From NFL enthusiasts to curious Londoners looking to experience the unique atmosphere of an NFL game, we’ll help you draw them in. If you’re hosting NFL events for any of the upcoming 2024 international games, now’s the time to get in touch with us to boost your promotions!

Why Advertise Your NFL Events With Us?

If you’re planning on turning your venue into a hub for NFL fans on game days, partnering with our NFL in London platform gives you unparalleled access to a growing and engaged audience. Here’s how we can help:

 1. Reach Millions of NFL Fans

With over 3 million weekly followers on our social media channels, your event promotion will reach NFL fans all over London and beyond. Whether they’re die-hard supporters of the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, or New England Patriots, we’ll ensure they know where to go to enjoy the action. 

We’ve been running NFL events in the UK since 2007, so we have you covered when it comes on where to go, and mostly-where not to.

Our dedicated audience actively seeks out NFL-themed bars and venues to watch the games in, which means your venue could become the go-to spot for NFL fans during the international series and beyond.

If you’re looking to host something around the international games, we got you covered.

 2. Maximise Attendance for Key NFL London Games

The upcoming NFL games in London are massive events that will attract thousands of fans from all over the UK and Europe. In fact, we estimate that there will be around 110,000 Americans, 25,000 Germans, and over 100,000 UK NFL fans coming into the city for the month.
Many fans will be looking for great venues to watch the games before or after attending the matches. Your bar or pub could be the perfect spot to host fans for these highly anticipated games:

– Sunday 6th October 2024 – New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

– Sunday 13th October 2024 – Jacksonville Jaguars vs Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

-Sunday 20th October 2024 – New England Patriots vs Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium

By advertising with us, you’ll get the chance to showcase your venue as the prime location for fans looking to enjoy food, drinks, and all the game-day excitement. Our social media reach will make sure your NFL event stands out from the crowd.

We don’t allow ticket touts, so if you’re planning on illegally selling tickets to our fans, you can screw right off!

 3. Exclusive Opportunities to Collaborate on Our Podcast

In addition to social media promotions, we offer the chance for regular advertisers to feature on our highly popular NFL in London podcast. With thousands of weekly listeners, our podcast is the perfect platform to promote your venue and share what makes your NFL events special. Whether you want to discuss upcoming events, special offers, or the unique atmosphere your venue provides, our podcast listeners will get an inside scoop on what makes your bar or pub a must-visit destination on game days.

We are happy to either have some fun guests on from your team to discuss your offer, or just a few host reads to promote your offer. We can tailor it all to your needs.

 4. Tailored Advertising Solutions for Regular NFL Events

Is your venue planning to host regular NFL screenings or events throughout the season? We can help you create a tailored advertising package that includes regular features across our social media channels, website, and podcast. By partnering with us, your pub or bar will benefit from continuous exposure to an audience that lives and breathes NFL football. From trivia nights to themed parties, our advertising solutions will keep your events top of mind for NFL fans in London.

Contact Us to Promote Your NFL Event!

Ready to pack your venue with NFL fans? Get in touch with us today to discuss advertising opportunities for your NFL events. Whether you’re planning to host parties for the international games, run NFL-themed promotions, or want to be a long-term partner in our community, we have the platform to help you succeed.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to advertise your NFL events to millions of passionate fans!

For more information, send us a message or check out our advertising options on our website. Let’s make your venue the ultimate destination for NFL fans in London this season!

By advertising with our NFL in London platform, you’ll not only get your venue in front of millions of NFL fans but also become a key part of the London American football community. Whether you’re aiming for a one-off event promotion or seeking regular exposure for the entire season, we’ve got the tools to make your NFL events a success!