It’s Bears vs Raiders at Tottenham stadium!
You excited?
You should be, it’s going to be a great game and the atmosphere at the new stadium is electric.
This is the first of many more games to come, and a great fan experience.
There are a few things you should know, so we put together a list of some things to be aware of.
Arsenal
Wait, you’re starting with football?
Yes, because Emirates stadium is pretty close to Tottenham, and they are playing a home game at 2pm.
What does that mean for you? It will be busy. VERY BUSY.
All of the tube stations from Highbury & Islington to Tottenham Hale will be packed with police moving the crowds.
The game ends after 4-so expect a HUGE crush of people then.
If you are travelling-try to time it while the game is on.
Weather
Welcome to Britain, and welcome to rain. It isn’t usually this wet, but Sunday looks particularly horrible. The tail-end of a hurricane will drop almost 2 inches of rain in 6 hours on Sunday. Most of the stadium is covered-but expect the wetness to seep into your bones.
Travel
As per the earlier note regarding Arsenal playing, the tube lines will be packed.
There are other options including the Overground, which will take you right to the station from Liverpool Street. Buses are the best option, as their routes carve through traffic and get you there with height. The W3 bus leaves from near The Princess Alexandra where we are hosting our after party. It’s 25 minutes direct to the stadium. Parking around the stadium is also pretty tight.
Tottenham
It’s a storied area of London, that has been undergoing loads of gentrification in the past decade. It still has its shady areas, and it is a bit rough and tumble around the stadium.
This is NOT central London-so don’t expect the same amenities. It will also close early, so once you leave the game-most of the pubs will be shutting down.
Football
Sunday is football in Britain, and by that we mean soccer.
The games kick off at noon, with the last game kicking off at 4:30. This derby between Newcastle & Manchester United will go until about 6:30. Most London sports bars will not turn this off for the NFL, even if the score is 10-0. Head to the Princess Alex, where they will have the start of the Bears vs Raiders.
Drinking
Tottenham area is cheaper than central London to drink, & you can find some nice authentic pubs close to the grounds. A sloppy Carly might cost you £3 at a Spoons if you know what we mean. Pints at the stadium are £6.50, so save your currency. Remember to not to get too drunk, it ruins your time and the experience of everyone around you. If one of your mates is too wasted, they will be ejected. Take care of your friends. As mentioned earlier if you’re looking for a post game drink, Tottenham will be shut.
Before the Game
There is no such thing as tailgating here, so most people will be drinking in the crammed pubs around the stadium, and there aren’t a lot of them. Time your journey up and where you want to gather/ meet prior. Many pubs will be jammed with football fans-so keep that in mind.
Add time to your journey on the tube, and keep in mind the weather-which is crap.
You might be better off finding a pub close’ish to the stadium and make your way there.
After the Game
London is NOT a 24 hour city, especially on a Sunday.
There are a few venues and areas that will be open late, but won’t cater to NFL fans.
The casinos in Leicester Square can hold 200 NFL fans MAX between them both, and will not play sound on the games-so keep that in mind as you probably won’t get in.
It is a pretty nasty area, so you may not want to be there anyway.
Sports Bars will shut by 11pm, but the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End will be open until 4am-so join us there!
Bags
There is a clear bag policy in effect at the stadium, so watch what you bring. What do you really need to bring anyway? Perhaps a phone charger, but the more you carry-the more you can lose. You probably won’t need your passport, as the UK isn’t as vigilant in checking for ID.
Swag
If you’re looking to buy NFL swag or London trinkets-do you really need to get them there? You can probably buy everything at home, or online & the prices will make your eyes water.
Plus you have to lug it around all night in the rain. And you might lose it.
Is it worth carrying all the crap?
Enjoy Sunday! See you at the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End for pints after!
