January, and particularly Super Bowl week, is the annual silly season when it comes to International Series games. The schedule isn’t announced until April. However the added marketing for these games mean that the NFL like to announce them during the playoffs. Of course, if they leave it until after the season, there’s a real risk that casual NFL fans won’t hear about the games until when the 2020 season starts. By n tickets are long gone.
After the drop to three games in 2018 due to the transition from Twickenham to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the delays in completing Spurs Stadium, the NFL returned to the full complement of four games in 2019. Now they are ready to take the next step: multiples games by a franchise.
The Jaguars look set to become the first team to play two games in London in one season. It appears they will be doing back-to-back games. here is some uncertainty whether it is two home games or home and away. However it doesn’t take away from the step being made. Having made by far the most trips to London with 7, it is unsurprising to see the Jags were chosen. What’s more, NFL UK is treating the Jaguars as London’s team. If the NFL decides to relocate a franchise overseas, it will them.
Official word yet to come
Nothing has been officially confirmed regarding the International Series for 2020. However, when rumours become consensus, it usually means one thing. The expectation is another four games in London, split between Wembley and Tottenham and a further game in Mexico. Of course, a home/away trip for the Jaguars could help with scheduling for the stadiums. It also allows NFL UK to brand Wembley the home of the Jags if they then play ‘on the road’ at Spurs.
Finally, bringing an eighth of the Jags season could conquer another hurdle, twice as much of bringing the Packers to London. Green Bay are he final team to play an International series game. We will see if an announcement is made in the build up to the Super Bowl. Sunday’s passing of Kobe Bryant may delay the announcement as a mark of respect but official news can’t be far away.
Then we can move on to the annual chase for ticket news from NFL UK…
Image: American Football International