Question for British Sherdoggers

Eric Renzo NH · 10-19-2009, 10:23 AM

I was just wondering if there was ANY buzz at all around London regarding the upcoming NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There have been other NFL games in London, but i never really thought about it.

So, any buzz about the game?

Hinch · 10-19-2009, 10:34 AM

From what I recall rightly the last game or two were sell-outs, but this is due to the hardcore (but fairly large) fanbase. Also, partially, because it's a once a season thing. The buzz is mostly created by Sky Sports shoving NFL down our throats. Sky gives it so much time and advertising it is crazy. Especially when you consider how popular it actually is here. They push NFL more than the rugby codes (bar international tournaments) cricket, athletics etc.

However, interest in the game is still rather low. However these one off matches will always do very well, as it is the only chance to see an NFL game for most British fans.

Eric Renzo NH · 10-19-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks man, that's kinda what I figured. Sounds like it's almost more of a novelty thing. That's weird that Sky Sports is pushing it so hard. Ironically, i get sky sports here, watch it all the time and haven't one ad for the game. Guess the NFL figures they already have any American watching sky sports....haha

Hinch · 10-19-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Renzo NH

Thanks man, that's kinda what I figured. Sounds like it's almost more of a novelty thing. That's weird that Sky Sports is pushing it so hard. Ironically, i get sky sports here, watch it all the time and haven't one ad for the game. Guess the NFL figures they already have any American watching sky sports....haha

Yeah, it gets pushed hard. Considering we don;t have a league of our own, it's not an international sport etc. it's quite crazy, and this is coming from a grid iron fan.

You'll also find the popularity is based on name recognition. If you're planning on selling out games over here, there's only three names worth a damn. Cowboys, Dolphins and Raiders. Pretty much your best marketers. The Patriots also have a big fanbase. This is due to them having a lot of recent success (team of the 00's to be fair) but also because the first really overf the top pushing of NFL came during the nearly 19-0 season.

As for name recognition of NFLers...Well, outside of actual fans, you'll be hard pressed to find people who can name more than 3 active players. Fuck, I'd be shocked if the general population could name 1. I'd be interested to know who is the most well known NFL star in England actually. Possibly Brady, I guess. Via his girlfriend and being man pretty enough to grace our shit celebrity gossip magazines.