Expanding the NFL: Unlocking the UK's Potential with 4 New Host Cities
Image Credit: vtravelled.com
Disclaimer: Most of these stadiums would have to have work done in order to make them NFL ready.
The NFL is a global phenomenon. It has a huge international fan base. It has expanded its regular-season games to countries like the UK, Germany, and Mexico. London is the UK's NFL hub. It hosts three games each year. The country's fan base is far beyond the capital. The potential to host games in other UK cities helps the current fan base. It also opens new opportunities for the league to reach fans in new places.
Glasgow
Glasgow has a rich sports history, and the people there love to get behind a team. The city is in Scotland. It is one of the biggest in the UK. It has the infrastructure to hold big sporting events. For example, the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014. They were one of the most successful hosts in the competition's history. Glasgow has many restaurants and hotels for fans to stay and eat in. The city has some big stadiums: Ibrox, Celtic Park, and Hampden Park. All have a capacity of over 50,000. This means they have the facilities to host an NFL game. Finally, it will allow different parts of the country to enjoy an NFL game.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit while staying in Scotland. The Scottish capital has a rich history and beautiful scenery. It will allow other parts of the UK to experience an NFL game like Glasgow. There is also a big Stadium in the city, Murrayfield, where the Scottish Rugby Union team plays. The capacity of Murrayfield is 67,144, which makes it the biggest stadium in Scotland. Other stadiums in the city would create a good atmosphere. Edinburgh is a massive tourist attraction and would be a brilliant place for the NFL.
Manchester
Manchester should be at the top if you are talking about sporting cities in the United Kingdom. The city is a massive tourist destination with many good hotels and restaurants. Furthermore, there are a lot of landmarks you can visit. The city has a rich sports history. This is especially true in European football. Teams like Manchester United and Manchester City are based there. The NFL would have two stadiums from which they could choose: Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium. Old Trafford’s field is currently to small but there been talks about the stadium being rebuilt and that could hold a NFL game Both stadiums are great. They host big events when their teams play in Europe. Like Glasgow, the city has hosted the Commonwealth Games. This means it has the infrastructure for big events, like an NFL game.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital is a great place to watch a sporting event. Like all the cities mentioned, it has a great selection of hotels and restaurants for fans to enjoy. A main attraction of the city is the Principality Stadium, one of the best in the UK. The stadium is home to the Welsh rugby team. It is known for its great atmosphere during games. The grounds hosted many big events. For example, they hosted Anthony Joshua's fights and WWE's Clash in the Castle. The stadium has a big selling point: its closable roof. It will ensure excellent conditions, no matter the weather. Finally, the stadium is in the city centre, which means a pub or restaurant is close. It would be incredible for the city if the NFL played the game.
It'll be interesting to see if the NFL ever plays a game in the UK outside of London. There are enough games around as Britain's capital hosts three. The NFL may want to reach the country and put teams in different locations.
If you love sport checkout the rest of Expansive Sports we cover sports like rugby, football, and motorsport.