NFL in London

National Football League in London

Wade McElwain

Giants-Packers London

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Wowza! What a heck of a game that was between the Saints and Vikings last Sunday, as the sun came out to bring London one beauty of a game!

And guess what? We do it all again this week, as it’s Giants-Packers London this weekend!

To help you figure out what to do, where to do, and all the latest news, we have a packed little diary of ‘to-do’s’ to make your trip extra special.

Here’s what you need to know for the weekend of October 7th to 9th.

Transit Strike

Get ready to go nowhere, as the transit union is once again using this weekend to try to shame a Tory Party Conference with stagnation, catching NFL fans in the crossfire.

A national rail strike is due to go ahead on Sat Oct 8th, meaning that trains into London, out of London and some of the national rail lines will be affected.
Tubes and buses should be fine, but you might experience a knockoff affect of noticeable gaps.

If you are planning on travelling this weekend, make sure you plan ahead, as it will be a slow start on Sunday before the trains are up and running again at full tilt.

Getting to the Game

There are quick a few ways to get to the game, with the tube, overground and parking nearby all being options.

Direct trains from Liverpool street will have you at Tottenham within 25 minutes, and the busy Victoria line will take you to Seven Sisters or Tottenham Hale where you have easy access to the stadium.

Some folks also like to park a few Overground stops away, and just zip south to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

UK vs USA

It’s America versus the United Kingdom in Women’s Football (soccer), with a high profile friendly game kicking off on Friday October 7th at Wembley stadium.

The last time these two teams played was in 2020, when America delivered a 2-0 victory over the Lionesses.

Kickoff will be at 8pm on Friday night, and coverage will be available on ITV.

The game is SOLD OUT, so if you are looking for tickets, make sure you find someone who isn’t going to steal from you.

Football (soccer)

If you’re looking to watch football (soccer) this weekend, you’re in luck!
If you’re looking to watch college football this weekend…you’re kind of SOL.

It’s another big weekend in the Premier League, with some massive London derbys to check out if you can find the time.

Saturday kicks of with some major matches, as posh club Chelsea host Wolverhampton at 15:00GMT, and if you fancy a trip to the coast-Brighton and Hove host Tottenham in the 17:30 match.

There are some great traditional pubs to watch the games in, so make sure you explore the neighbourhoods to find a lovely local boozer.

Sunday might be the NFL, but it’s also a major day in English football, with games on all day-but it’s the later games that might be a problem.

Arsenal host Liverpool in an exciting 16:00GMT match, that will be on most tvs in most pubs across the country.

Later, Everton play host to Manchester United in a 19:00 GMT corker than will also predominate TVs in pubs and bars across the capital.

Comedy

London loves to laugh, so why not check out some of the great comedy on this weekend to laugh it up?

The Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green has a great line-up on this weekend, and it’s one of the places Dave Chappelle likes to warm up before destroying larger venues.
Get your tickets here.

https://backyardcomedyclub.co.uk/event/backyard-comedy-club-saturday-night-427/

American comedy fans will have no idea British comedy icon Stewart Lee is, but they can find out as Lee performs in a series of intimate London comedy dates.
There are still some tickets available, and American comedy fans will be pleasantly surprised at the different stylings of Lee.
Tickets here:

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/live-dates/

Fair Time

The fall fair is a classic of Americana, with rides, fun games, and novelty foods sure to choke arteries.

South London is hosting its’ own, with Fairgame Funfair setting up in Canary Wharf.

Loads of games, digitally updated games from your past and plenty of booze to make this an all day fun day.

Tickets and info here:

https://www.wearefairgame.com/

Sundays

As we have mentioned in the past, London is not a late night city-and Sundays are the worst of the bunch.

Please be careful in areas like Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, as they are very dangerous at night.

Areas like Shoreditch, Highbury & Islington, and Finsbury Park all have late night options.

Stay safe, and watch this space for more info!

 

 

Skoll London

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What a first day of the NFL in London, as the Minnesota Vikings pipped the New Orleans Saints just prior to OT to get their third London victory.
The hobbled down Saints made their best efforts, but couldn’t hold the Vikes off in the end, as it was a Skoll London victory.

Despite the slow start, both teams came alive in the second half, adding 33 points between them, and electrifying the London hometown crowd.

How did you enjoy the game between the Saints and Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

Here are a few things we did notice that maybe you did, and some of the folks at home sure did.

Big Smoke

Pyrotechnics before kickoff is a rookie mistake, as the Tottenham crew soon found out with thick black smoke enveloping the centre of the field.

US TV announcers were quick to inform viewers at home that the picture might look dark and  cloudy not because it’s London, but because all those fireworks were just set off and it’s going to take a while to clear.

Be interesting to see if they let off that many fireworks prior to the Giants and Packers.

Fan Noise

Yes, it’s a London game, and yes, the fans comprise the whole league, not just the two teams playing.

It’s always interesting to get the perspective of US based fans who couldn’t believe how quiet it was, whereas many UK fans were bloody hoarse today from screaming all day.

Sure, you don’t get people screaming as hard at third down conversions, but they’re just happy to be at the game.

It’s not as loud as an American game, and that’s ok.

London Prices

‘Welcome to London, three pints will be £20.70.’

For anyone who doesn’t live in London, getting a pint in the capital sometimes requires a guarantor to make sure you can afford the debt.

With prices for regular pints hitting £6.90 at the stadium, many fans found it easier to quaff as many as they could before hand, or pop into the Tesco for a cheeky 4 pack.

Thanks to the pond taking a massive dump earlier in the week, American tourists must have felt that they hit the lottery with an almost par exchange rate.

Please-spend your money Yankee Doodle Dandies! We have gas bills to pay this winter.

Transit Strike

Despite the big bad warnings from the RMT and transit unions, travel on Sunday wasn’t as bad as could be expected.

Londoners bemoan the frequency of our transit woes, and it might seem malarky to foreigners, until you get here and wonder ‘how the heck do I get home.’

Thankfully fans were aware that Saturday and early Sunday would be nonsense on national rail, and made plans to get to the stadium early.

Hey guess what? There’s another strike this weekend, and this one could be even more of a doozy!

Sounds lovely! Travel smart and plan ahead.

NFL on Southbank

Well that’s pretty nifty neat-o huh?

For the first time, the NFLUK has brought the fan experience to the banks of the river Thames, with the adjustment to Southbank from Regent Street.
The result is a more fresh and invigorating stroll through the NFL.

While Westminster was nice to play host to the NFL for a few decades, the rot of Soho and surrounding area made it feel like it was stuck on the street like a piece of gum, and that the stores all secretly hated everyone in jerseys who would never shop in their stores.

It’s a whole different vibe now, make sure that you head down to Southbank and check out all of the activities that they have on this week as well.

Giants vs Packers

We have another game here in London this week!

More info to follow on all the exciting things to do in London this week!

 

 

Week 4 Picks

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Welcome to London everyone, as the NFL makes its way to the English capital for the first of a 3 game set.

It’s all eyes on the big smoke this Sunday, as the Saints and Vikings battle it out in north London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It’s going to be a wet and windy day with no Jameis, but that won’t stop the fans from enjoying another great game here in the UK.

With all of this excitement, Wade & Ryan bash out their Week 4 picks, in another ribald podcast of adventure.
If you want to listen to the full podcast of picks, just click here and share with all your mates.

Which games are you looking for on Sunday?

Vikings (2-1) -3 vs Saints (2-1) +43.5

Are you ready for some football London? It’s the first big game in the city, as we contend with transit strikes, the London marathon, and the wet and wild remnants of hurricanes from across the pond.
Historically these games are low scoring? How about this one?

Ryan likes the Likes here to take advantage of a humbled Saints team that’s missing a whole bunch of pieces. Minnesota has a compliment of speedsters on their squad who can cause havoc for the Saints D all day long, and will look to feast on the ravaged Saints.

Wade thinks that this is going to be a slow, grinding game. With many young players travelling abroad for the first game, London games historically start slow…and maybe continue that way.
Low scoring, but D focused, Wade likes the Saints to keep it close.

Ryan-Vikings 27 Saints 17
Wade-Saints 20 Vikings 17

LA Chargers (1-2) -5 vs Texans (0-2-1) +44.5

What the what Chargers? We thought you guys were supposed to be beasts this year? Maybe they forgot the ‘s’?
LA has struggled to achieve the heights of expectation, while the Texans are exactly where we thought they would be.

Ryan likes a get right game for the Chargers, with a chance to flourish against a hapless Houston squad.
It’s time for JH to ‘light it up.’

Wade agrees that this is the chance to feel better by beating up on the Texans, to get your head right.
The Texans have too much of nothing to be something, and 2022 will burn on like another familiar season.

Ryan-Chargers 28 Texans 17
Wade-Chargers 28 Texans 14

Seahawks (1-2) vs -4 Lions (1-2) +41.5

Eeesh, this battle of 1-2 teams is a match suited for a next day, 40 minute recap.

Seattle has been barely bubbling under Geno Smith, while the running game actually starts to take hold.
Pete Carroll needs to make some statements that the kitchen is still clean, even if the cook is long gone.

Everyone and their monkey uncle thought that the Lions would be top of the pops this year, after getting the feels from them on HBO’s Hard Knocks.
Dan Campbell is fuelled by caffeine and has the energy to rock any joint, so what’s happening?

Ryan thinks this is a good chance for the Lions to grab the mane, and the win in a tight game versus Seattle.

Wade too thinks that this will be a close game, that will start out with a Lions roar, but eventually the sea birds will sog their way back to keep it close.

Ryan- Lions 24 Seahawks 20
Wade-Lions 28 Seahawks 26

Jaguars (2-1) vs -6.5 Eagles (3-0) +48.5

Who would have thunk that this would be the game of the week that everyone is keen to watch?
The Eagles are pouring on the points, while the Jaguars have finally emerged from the multiverse with a calibre squad.
It’s the Doug Pederson revenge game! How cold will this dish be served?

Ryan is jagging up that hill, buoyed by their recent wins, he thinks that TL and the boys can shake out a win here. He likes the Jaguars to upset in a tight one.

Wade isn’t convinced that Trevor can spoil Jalen’s day. The Eagles D and Hurts’ legs have made short work of many an opponent. This one could get ugly.

Ryan-Jaguars 27 Eagles 24
Wade-Eagles 38 Jaguars 20

That’s it for our week 4 picks, make sure that you listen to the podcast to get all of our picks, with some cheeky laughs as well.

 

 

 

Vikings vs Saints-London

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It’s time for London to host its first NFL game of 2022, as the Minnesota Vikings visit the New Orleans at Tottenham stadium on October 2, 2022.

Have tickets and going to the game?
That’s great! It should be a fun an exciting rematch of the Minnesota miracle a few years ago.
The game kicks off at 2:30pm BST (9:30am), expected to finish around 6pm BST.

The Stadium

Tottenham Stadium is located in the north-east area of London, the official address is
782 High Rd, London N17 0BX
This is important info for any visitors to London, as postcodes are the easiest way to find something or someone (unless you have what 3 words).

The best way to get to the stadium will be via the Overground, the Tube, as well as national rail and buses.
There is NO TRANSIT STRIKE set for this weekend, (Giants vs Packers won’t be so lucky).

Tottenham Stadium is NOT a place where you can tailgate prior to the game, but there are local pubs on the high street that will be packed with fans.
Alternatively, go to an off license and snag some beers to walk around prior to entering the stadium.
It will be a cheaper buzz than the £7 pints you’ll pay inside.

Apps

If you’re coming to London, there are a few useful apps you might want to add to your device to make your trip to London easier.

CityMapper

A useful app to help you find out how to get from point A to point B.
For newbies to London, this is a very vital app to help you navigate the busy streets, as well as construction that might impede your journey.
https://citymapper.com/?lang=en

London Tube Map

There are many variations, just grab one of the freebies here to help you plan your London get a round.
In many areas of central London, you will be surprised how much quicker it is to walk, as distances can be deceiving when you’re underground.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tube-map-london-underground/id320969612

Bus Checker

Looking to grab a bus somewhere in the city? This handy app will let you know when the next one is coming, and how long you’ll have to wait-or how to find alternative routes.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/uk-bus-checker/id899757264

Saturday

So you’re in London, and looking for something to do in the city?
Luckily London is a massive city, so we have a few tips and hints of what to do and where to go.

Football (Soccer)

The Premier League is back on Sat October 1st, after a wee break, and there are some great games to catch.

The north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham kicks off at 12:30pm, and will be one of the hottest games to watch that day.
Most pubs will be showing the game, and it will get you into the spirit for what will happen in north London the next day.

Other London games you might want to check out: Crystal Palace host Chelsea, West Ham host the Wolves, and an epic Man City vs Man U will kick off at 2pm.

Oktoberfest

Germany might be hosting an NFL this game, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t catch a bit of Bavaria in the UK.

Between the Bridges in Southbank will be hosting a massive Oktoberfest celebration, along with the musical hilarity of Massaoke.
Get your tickets for it here:
https://betweenthebridges.co.uk/oktoberfest/

Pergola Paddington will also host a massive Oktoberfest party in the west end of the city.
Ooom Pah Pah bands, sausages, lederhosen and plenty of cold beer to wash down your worries.
More info here:
https://wunderbar-oktoberfest.designmynight.com/

Taste of New Orleans

Looking to get in that Big Easy spirit for the big game?
Then you might want to check out this authentic New Orleans bar Sweetwater, located near Kings Cross station.
Great cocktails, reclaimed wood and low ceilings make you feel like your right back on the bayou.
Book a table here:
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/sweetwater

After the Game

Sundays are definitely not Fundays in London.
Despite the size of it, London is definitely NOT a 24 hour city, and Sundays bear the brunt of this.

While the NFL is big on the day, most pubs will not only refuse to show it, but will also close by 10pm.
Given you won’t get out of that stadium until 7pm, that could limit your after fun time.

If you’re looking to watch other NFL games after the Tottenham game, your best bet is to ask your hotel to put it on.
Downloading NFL Gamepass will also allow you to watch the games with your friends, and not have to worry about it getting turned off.

Where you might want to go after the game.

Fabric

A late night dance party open until 4am.
If you want to party all night long to the cool kids to amazing music, this could be the pace for you.
https://www.fabriclondon.com/

The American Bar

Feeling swanky and looking for some delish cocktails?
Head to the American Bar at the Stafford Hotel in central London, where they serve Americana until midnight.
https://thestaffordlondon.com/american-bar/

Aspers Casino

Aspers Casino in Stratford is not only a quick journey from Tottenham Stadium, but also the best place to try to catch the NFL after the game.
Open 24hrs, this casino is close to major transit, as well as being right in one of the biggest malls in Europe.
https://www.aspersstratford.co.uk/

London has changed post-Covid, with some areas that use to be busy and safe, now eerily quiet and there’s a good chance you will be robbed.
Heading out to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus or Soho after the game is a bad idea, as these areas are notoriously stabby late at nights.
Casinos in the area are very dodgy, and you will most likely lose something leaving there in the wee hours.

Transport shuts very early on Sundays, so make sure you plan ahead.

Enjoy the game y’all!

 

Week 2 Picks

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What a week that was in the NFL!

The Saints survive a sweaty one in Hot-lanta, The Fins toss around the Pats, Baker gets baked at home, and the Bears toss around the 49ers for fun.

If you thought Week 1 in the NFL was a tasty treat, wait til you see what the boys have cooked up for you in their Week 2 Picks!

Get all the info in lustrous form, by listening to our Week 2 Picks Podcast!

Among some of the games that the boys look at this week for your betting pleasure, includes:

Dolphins (1-0) vs Ravens (1-0) -3.5 +43.5

Miami and Tua made short work (get it?) of the Patriots last week, while Baltimore took out the Flacco trash quite easily in a beat down of the Jets.
Are the Ravens ready to roll over the fish on Sunday?
Lacking the sweaty balls heat of south Florida, the forecast for Sunday is a wet one, which could lead to more runs than passing.
Ryan likes Lamar and the boys to put Tua and co. on the shelf, as they chase win number two in week 2.
Wade thinks that the Dolphins will prove too much for Baltimore’s D, and that they will struggle to contain the slew of receivers ready to rock.
Ryan-Ravens 27 Dolphins 23
Wade-Dolphins 24 Ravens 21

Washington (1-0) vs Lions (0-1) -1.5 +45.5

Despite being fuelled by 300 litres of caffeine on Sunday, the Lions were unable to make it rain against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.
This week the get Carson Wentz and the Commies, as the Lions head home to the dome.
Can Detroit motor boat this lack lustre Washington squad?
Ryan thinks that is a sweet payback game for Dan Campbell, to trash Dan Snyders’ team. With such a loaded squad, how can the Lions lose?
Wade agrees that Washington got lucky with some of the Jag-off mistakes last Sunday, and that Detroit has the superior squad to get the W on Sunday.
He also predicts a bucketload of points to make your fantasy heave.
Ryan-Lions 27 Washington 21
Wade-Lions 33 Washington 30

Panthers (0-1) vs Giants (1-0) -2 +43.5

What the heck-a-money? The Giants are favoured in a game? Stop the presses.
Baker and the Panthers had a tough spot last week, facing his former team in his first game, that saw his old boys pretty much call every play he ran.
Things should be a bit easier this week, not having to face that Browns D again.
Wade is all over the Panthers this week, as the numbers in Week 1 don’t really bely the truth.
Look for Baker and Robbie A to light it up, with Christian grabbing at least 1 TD with this massive legs.
The Giants will not be able to compete.
Ryan agrees-and he thinks that New York being favoured with 1 win, is a sign of troubling times.
Some good fantasy value in this game as well.
Ryan-Panthers 20 Giants 17
Wade-Panthers 24 Giants 20

Falcons (0-1) vs LA Rams (0-1) -10.5 +43.5

The defending SuperBowl champs are crying in their rings, after taking a beating from the Buffalo Bills in week 1.
Limp, inept, and ineffective, and those are just the side effects of some of the American medication advertised!
Atlanta kept it close in a Mariota Moment game, which saw the eventually fall to Jameis and the sloppy D. This isn’t a sluggish Saints D that the Falcons are facing this week however, it’s a very angry, Super Bowl defending team.
Ryan likes the Rams to whoop the Falcons around on Sunday, with Allen Robinson finally paying off some fantasy points for some of his fans.
He doesn’t think that the Rams will be that dominant, and likes Mariota and Patterson to bring the points.
Wade too likes the Rams to win, and thinks that this 10 point spread is easy-peasy for a vengeful team.
LA lacked that killer spirit in week 1, and they will be uber focused this week against a sad sack bird team.
Yes, the Rams will win-and they won’t struggle
Ryan-Rams 30 Falcons 24
Wade-Rams 28 Falcons 10
That’s it for our Week 2 picks, let us know how you did.
Another great podcast up in a few days, enjoy week 2!