NFL London Travel: How Tottenham became the NFL Stars’ second home

"One Full English Breakfast, please!" As an NFL fan traveling to London, that translates to high-flying touchdowns during a double-header at Tottenham and, as a hearty side dish, soaking in the legendary atmosphere of Wembley. Regulars who take advantage of our travel packages including NFL London Games tickets might have wondered: Wembley or Tottenham – which stadium do NFL stars prefer on the island?

At the highest point – higher than even the most accurate NFL kickers like Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) could kick the ball – stands the iconic rooster. This four-and-a-half-meter tall bronze statue watches over Tottenham. Last year, our colleagues from german televsion began their broadcast of the Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game from this spot, the "Golden Cockerel" platform. It was an exhilarating match, especially in the fourth quarter, featuring four consecutive touchdown drives.

The 25:20 victory for the Jaguars also highlighted the praise for the conditions and atmosphere in Tottenham’s billion-dollar stadium. Even the defeated Bills had good things to say. During the NFL’s debut in 2019, two-time Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett (then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) remarked, "Tottenham is the best place I’ve ever played football. Its design even surpasses many stadiums we have in the USA."

Tottenham: The NFL Gold Standard

Think this sounds like exaggerated PR talk? Not at all! Just like the 65-meter-long “Goal Line Bar,” the architects thought big for the locker rooms too. Designed to NFL specifications, the locker room accommodates 53 players – more than two full soccer teams including substitutes. Quarterback Jared Goff praised the playing surface during his visit with the LA Rams. The American turf gold standard here: artificial turf!

Stored under the south stand, the NFL playing surface can be switched with natural grass in just 25 minutes. This impressive technology makes North London a second home for the US league. October already sees the seventh and eighth NFL games in Tottenham’s jewel box (more on Tottenham Hotspur soccer trips). By the end of the deal in 2030, Tottenham might not only match but surpass Wembley Stadium (23 games until 2023) in terms of hosting NFL games.

This venue also gets the most attractive matchups from a sporting perspective. Hence, my travel tip for an NFL London trip: New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings! A “no-brainer,” as Americans would say. Not solely, but especially because of Aaron Rodgers!

A Defining NFL London Trip for Aaron Rodgers

For the four-time MVP, who at 40 years old navigates between a crash landing and a “Last Dance” moment in the green part of the Big Apple, the schedule makers have reserved prime-time TV spots. Not twice, not three or four times, but a whopping six (!) Jets games are set for solo broadcasts during prime American viewing slots on “Sunday Night Football,” “Monday Night Football,” or "Thursday Night Football.” Moreover, the NFL International Series rekindles the rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and Rodgers, the former Green Bay Packers quarterback.

As part of their NFL London journey, the Vikings will travel over 6000 kilometers from the Canadian border region. They’ll bring rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, star receiver Justin Jefferson (earning an average of $35 million per year with his new contract), and an impeccable London record. Whether at Wembley (34:27 against the Pittsburgh Steelers), the rugby-renowned Twickenham Stadium (33:16 against the Cleveland Browns), or most recently a 28:25 victory over the Saints at Tottenham, the team feels at home and celebrates with fans using the “Viking Clap” known from soccer!

Very British in the Sunshine State: Jaguars as Regulars

Anyone traveling to London in the second or third week of October will encounter the Jacksonville Jaguars, the most British team in the USA. For the eleventh time since 2013, the Jaguars, based in Florida’s Sunshine State, will play in London. This year marks their second consecutive back-to-back game outside the US. Week 6 against the Chicago Bears promises an exciting showdown of hyped talents. On one side, Trevor Lawrence, the 2021 NFL Draft’s number one pick. On the other, Caleb Williams, drafted three years later at the same position.

Williams set his first NFL record even before his first snap: most jerseys sold the day after the draft! Wembley’s matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots, with up to 86,000 spectators, promises the largest crowd. While the biggest crowd doesn’t guarantee the best atmosphere, the Patriots’ active fan community in Europe ensures an electrifying environment.

Many fans who organized a viral fan march including a marching band to Deutsche Bank Park (Frankfurt) during last year’s NFL International Series will travel to the island. Trafalgar Square, already illuminated in team colors the night before the game, is the first stop for many NFL fans. Eleven tube stations via Charing Cross and Baker Street bring you to Wembley Stadium. Those not traveling in NFL London Travel groups will quickly find camaraderie at the tailgate party. And yes, this cherished American tradition begins on game day at 9:30 a.m. local time, just when others are finishing their Full English Breakfast…