Wouldn't be fair.............

[packinpatland]

..........if they had a Super Bowl in London. What about the teams' fans? Who could afford it? With the exchange rate what it is right now, come on Goodell...... :roll:


Super Bowl May Shift Overseas, With London Interested, NFL Says

By Erik Matuszewski

Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- The National Football League is looking into holding Super Bowls outside the U.S., with London's Wembley Stadium among the possible sites for the annual championship game, Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

``There's a great deal of interest in holding a Super Bowl in London,'' Goodell told reporters following a luncheon in Scottsdale, Arizona, that was sponsored by the host committee for the 2008 Super Bowl.

The NFL has shifted its strategy for overseas growth from running leagues to bringing audiences regular-season games, with the Miami Dolphins scheduled to play the New York Giants in London on Oct. 28. Goodell said he sees the NFL title game becoming international as well, without giving a timeframe.

The league has hosting agreements up to the 2011 Super Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

Last year's Super Bowl was the second-most watched sports event globally after soccer's World Cup final, according to Initiative Worldwide. The 2005 Super Bowl was the world's most- viewed sports event, Initiative said.

``It wouldn't be surprising if the Torontos of the world and the Londons of the world say, 'We want a piece of that,''' Goodell said.

The NFL shut down its European developmental league in June. Team owners have voted to hold one regular-season game outside the U.S. this year and as many as two every year from 2008 to 2011. Organizers have sold 95,000 tickets for this month's game at Wembley Stadium, the league said.

In 2005, the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers played a regular-season game in Mexico City. That game drew a crowd of 103,467 to Azteca Stadium, the biggest crowd to attend a NFL regular-season game.

Goodell also said the NFL is considering changes for the Pro Bowl, including rotating the league's All-Star Game between cities or playing it on another date. The game, played the week after the Super Bowl, has been held in Honolulu since 1980.

To contact the reporter on this story: Erik Matuszewski in New York at matuszewski@bloomberg.net .

[BallHawk]

Financially, it'd be a smart move.

However, you're not going to have the same fan migration over to the UK as you would with any American city. I'm sure they'll be plenty of fans that'll take the trip to London, but you'll not find the fans that just go to hang out, the fans that don't go inside the stadium. What makes the Super Bowl great is the hype and build-up surrounding it. If you change continents, I don't think it's the same.

Toronto, though, I wouldn't have a problem with. Toronto is a fantastic city and would be a great place to hold a Super Bowl.

[LL2]

Playing the SB in London is a stupid idea! They would have to start the game at 1 am in London for it to be a 7 pm game here in the US. The SB has always been a night game.

[packinpatland]

Financially, it'd be a smart move.

However, you're not going to have the same fan migration over to the UK as you would with any American city. I'm sure they'll be plenty of fans that'll take the trip to London, but you'll not find the fans that just go to hang out, the fans that don't go inside the stadium. What makes the Super Bowl great is the hype and build-up surrounding it. If you change continents, I don't think it's the same.

Toronto, though, I wouldn't have a problem with. Toronto is a fantastic city and would be a great place to hold a Super Bowl.


I'm not sure I agree with your statement of plenty of fans that'll make the trip to London' Think of what it costs to go to a SB here in the states....then double that. To me, there just doens't seem like any clear cut reason why. Watching the European football teams earlier, there were always half full stadiums. Leave it here.

[MJZiggy]

Play around with the Pro Bowl, not the Super Bowl. There was a telling statistic in that article. The Super Bowl was the SECOND most watched event. Football will never catch soccer so you leave the football championships here and the soccer championships where they are most revered...

[Tarlam!]

Playing the SB in London is a stupid idea!


I could not agree more!!!


Berlin, Germany is by far the best venue in the world!!!!!

[The Leaper]

A smart financial deal? WTF!

What about NFL Europe, a league that was an unmitigated financial disaster?

What about the fact that the weather in London around that time of year is no better than New York or even Green Bay?

What a load of crap. The NFL would never seriously consider moving the Super Bowl outside the US until it has franchises located outside the US.

[packinpatland]

"The NFL would never seriously consider moving the Super Bowl outside the US until it has franchises located outside the US."

......best reason to NOT move that I've heard yet.

[oregonpackfan]

Aside from the "Ethical" parts of having an American Championship game outside the USA, there would be huge logistical problems.

Would London or Frankfurt be able to handle all the fans, media, as well as teams for the event. That would not only include housing but the meals, the electrical accomodations, etc.

I agree with MJ. Have the Pro Bowl or an exhibition game over there but not the most hallowed Championship game of them all.

[Lurker64]

Having the Superbowl in another country before having the Superbowl in Lambeau is just wrong.

[Tarlam!]

Aside from the "Ethical" parts of having an American Championship game outside the USA,

Except, it's called a "WORLD" Championship, isn't it.

[oregonpackfan]

Aside from the "Ethical" parts of having an American Championship game outside the USA,

Except, it's called a "WORLD" Championship, isn't it.

I don't recall the word "WORLD" being included in the Super Bowl. Besides, most of the world considers "Football" to be what Americans call "Soccer."

Most of the world could care less about American style of football, except a few wierdos in Australia or Germany! :)

[Tarlam!]

Hahahahahaa! You know perfectly well, I am such a weirdo! :D

But, surely, you cannot deny the claim that the winner of the SB is considered "WC". Can you?

[MJZiggy]

It's just that the rest of the "World" doesn't care.

[packinpatland]

Aside from the "Ethical" parts of having an American Championship game outside the USA,

Except, it's called a "WORLD" Championship, isn't it.

You mean like the 'World Series'? :roll:

[b bulldog]

The league would be selling out it's fans :(

[LL2]

Playing the SB in London is a stupid idea!


I could not agree more!!!


Berlin, Germany is by far the best venue in the world!!!!!

Ok, Berlin might be a better place to have it.

[Guiness]

Aside from the "Ethical" parts of having an American Championship game outside the USA, there would be huge logistical problems.

Would London or Frankfurt be able to handle all the fans, media, as well as teams for the event. That would not only include housing but the meals, the electrical accomodations, etc.

I agree with MJ. Have the Pro Bowl or an exhibition game over there but not the most hallowed Championship game of them all.

You've got to be kidding, right? Can London handle the SB? You mean the city that is hosting the Olympics? And Wimbleton? And some huge conferences???

London is a world class city, quite capable of handling whatever is thrown at it. An event like the SB would have about as much effect as it would on New York - it's just absorb the 150K or so extra people, and hardly notice it. If a city like Detroit, which normally has negligeable tourism, can host it, London will certainly not have an issue.

[packinpatland]

Whether or not London can logistically host or not is NOT the question.
IT"S OUR GAME!!!!!!!!!!

[Freak Out]

Goodell or whoever suggested this should be fired. It's not just a bad idea it's insane. Set an example Goodell and fine or fire yourself for such an idiotic idea.

[packinpatland]

Goodell or whoever suggested this should be fired. It's not just a bad idea it's insane. Set an example Goodell and fine or fire yourself for such an idiotic idea.



:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[superfan]

As stated earlier, when would you play the game? The 7 hour time difference would be a big factor. A noon kickoff here doesn't make sense, and the game is usually a solid 4 hours long, if not more.

This seems like a baldfaced business decision with the sole reason of generating more revenue. I hate it.

[Guiness]

Whether or not London can logistically host or not is NOT the question.
IT"S OUR GAME!!!!!!!!!!

Agreed. I was just responding to the comment that they may not be able to handle it.

If they're not going to support a league (the NFLE...) they don't deserve to get the Super Bowl.

[packinpatland]

Whether or not London can logistically host or not is NOT the question.
IT"S OUR GAME!!!!!!!!!!

Agreed. I was just responding to the comment that they may not be able to handle it.

If they're not going to support a league (the NFLE...) they don't deserve to get the Super Bowl.


Good to know we're on the same page! :lol:
..............so when Goodell calls any one of us, for our imput, we're in agreement....the SB stays in the US.

[mmmdk]

Aside from the "Ethical" parts of having an American Championship game outside the USA,

Except, it's called a "WORLD" Championship, isn't it.

I don't recall the word "WORLD" being included in the Super Bowl. Besides, most of the world considers "Football" to be what Americans call "Soccer."

Most of the world could care less about American style of football, except a few wierdos in Australia or Germany! :)

It would be nice for America to venture out into the "world" with other aims than facing the "world" with the barrell of a gun.

Some just don't get out much; I think Americans need to travel more and go see other places than the mall.

SB in Europe? Awesome but if doesn't happen - I won't bitch about it. We have NFL regular season game(s) in Europe/world now (for a few years) and that might become permanent. I'll take it!

[mmmdk]

Playing the SB in London is a stupid idea! They would have to start the game at 1 am in London for it to be a 7 pm game here in the US. The SB has always been a night game.

You could always mingle with the 'brightness' on your TV. Voila!

[woodbuck27]

The NFL is American.

No to Europe and Super Bowl is my vote. :)

[Merlin]

I wouldn't put anything past the NFL. It's all about the almighty dollar and since the Pound and Euro are worth more then the dollar, why wouldn't they move it? A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL. They came out with the NFL Network that alienated 90% of their fan base all for the almighty buck.

[packinpatland]

"A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL."

Wouldn't a $1000 ticket cost 500 Pounds, = $1000 dollars?

I think the real expense for fans would be that no one (from the US) could drive to the game, everyone has to fly, minimum $500. Hotels in the London area are very expensive, (similar to NY) You have to eat no matter where you are............but all this at double the cost.
No matter how you cut it, the fans are not being taken into consideration.

[MJZiggy]

Then you have to consider that you have to get both teams there, all their equipment, etc. ad nauseum...I'd rather see it played at Arizona's new stadium and eventually (ugh) Dallas' compensation for what Jerry Jones is lacking (Viagra would be cheaper).

[Carolina_Packer]

The average temperature in the month of February in London is 7 degrees celsius or approx. 44 degrees farenheit. This is a Super Bowl destination?

The Super Bowl is about thanking the corporate sponsors and making money. I'm not sure how this achieves that. I think they bank on the fact that people will watch no matter what they do; even putting the game on late at night. I think you would lose some people, which means less people watching expensive ads. If they were to tape delay it to make it fit in prime time, I'm sure information would get out, so that's not even an option. People want to see it live.

So, the cold, the time change, and how unfriendly it would be to travelling fans as well as people back home, and the added expense with the exchange rate for the consumer, and it doesn't make a lot of sense. Have your little exhibition games there, or even schedule a regular season game there between two good teams, but leave the Super Bowl on American soil.

[swede]

If you want to take care of a cash cow feed it and milk it.

Don't teach it to roller skate in order to generate more interest in the cow.

The mere serious suggestion by Goodell's office that the Super Bowl be played in London, or any other European city, is a good indication that Roger doesn't have anyone in the room to tell him when he has a bad idea.

[digitaldean]

Whether or not London can logistically host or not is NOT the question.
IT"S OUR GAME!!!!!!!!!!

Here's an example to illustrate PIP's point:

What if the U.S. hosted the F.A. Cup final for soccer? (or the Serie A of Italy, the Bundesliga of Germany, etc.)

There would be protests galore over this.

I understand the internationalization of the game is important, but you do NOT tinker with putting the Super Bowl overseas.

Also consider that this would be a huge terrorist target overseas. British police/security could definitely do the job, but it's too tempting of a target if it's done overseas.

[Tarlam!]

What if the U.S. hosted the F.A. Cup final for soccer? (or the Serie A of Italy, the Bundesliga of Germany, etc.)



The series finals that you have cited all claim to crown the local chamion of a particular sport - soccer.

The NFL, in it's infinite wisdom, claims to crown the world champion of a sport. If so, the world, and its peoples living in any city of the world, have as much right as any NFL city to host the SB.

[Freak Out]

It would be nice for America to venture out into the "world" with other aims than facing the "world" with the barrell of a gun.

Some just don't get out much; I think Americans need to travel more and go see other places than the mall.



Blow me..........although I own a few guns I would wager I have traveled more of the world without a gun than you have period. Typical view of Americans....fat couch potatoes who only leave the house to go to the mall or Walmart.

You are right though. :lol:

[mmmdk]

It would be nice for America to venture out into the "world" with other aims than facing the "world" with the barrell of a gun.

Some just don't get out much; I think Americans need to travel more and go see other places than the mall.



Blow me..........although I own a few guns I would wager I have traveled more of the world without a gun than you have period. Typical view of Americans....fat couch potatoes who only leave the house to go to the mall or Walmart.

You are right though. :lol:

I'm glad you took for what it was; a friendly nudge. :P

[mmmdk]

The NFL is American.

No to Europe and Super Bowl is my vote. :)

I acknowledge your view but I do think it's plausible that it'll happen eventually. There's good $ in a super bowl outside the US. American Football has a strong but small fanbase (compared to soccer) in Europe. Guys like me are nuts about - even girls dig football here.

[Tarlam!]

I acknowledge your view but I do think it's plausible that it'll happen eventually.

What, the SB is played outside the USA under the current system?

[packinpatland]

The NFL is American.

No to Europe and Super Bowl is my vote. :)

I acknowledge your view but I do think it's plausible that it'll happen eventually. There's good $ in a super bowl outside the US. American Football has a strong but small fanbase (compared to soccer) in Europe. Guys like me are nuts about - even girls dig football here.

"Guys like me are nuts about - even girls dig football here"

........then we promise to treat you very nice when you come here! :wink:

[Merlin]

"A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL."

Wouldn't a $1000 ticket cost 500 Pounds, = $1000 dollars?

I think the real expense for fans would be that no one (from the US) could drive to the game, everyone has to fly, minimum $500. Hotels in the London area are very expensive, (similar to NY) You have to eat no matter where you are............but all this at double the cost.
No matter how you cut it, the fans are not being taken into consideration.

Not a chance. Why lower it? They WOULD get it. Although your analysis is accurate, what I am saying is that they would do an apples to oranges price on it just to rake in the US $$$.

[HarveyWallbangers]

What if the U.S. hosted the F.A. Cup final for soccer? (or the Serie A of Italy, the Bundesliga of Germany, etc.)



The series finals that you have cited all claim to crown the local chamion of a particular sport - soccer.

The NFL, in it's infinite wisdom, claims to crown the world champion of a sport. If so, the world, and its peoples living in any city of the world, have as much right as any NFL city to host the SB.

Every American pro sports league does this. It's a bunch of crap--although in the four major sports the champion of our professional league is very likely the best team in the world.

[KYPack]

Goodell or whoever suggested this should be fired. It's not just a bad idea it's insane. Set an example Goodell and fine or fire yourself for such an idiotic idea.

No way an announcement like this would've ever left Pete Rozelle's office. NFL PR is at an all time low.

I feel this is a trial balloon so they can create some hubbub, then announce that the SB will never leave the country.

This will help 'em sell regular season games abroad. They can assure fans that good 'ol SB will not leave, but they owe it to World fans to see league games or some such rot.

I really think Goodell is a goof and hypocrite.

[BEARMAN]

Whether or not London can logistically host or not is NOT the question.
IT"S OUR GAME!!!!!!!!!!

X3 ! :evil:

[falco]

"A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL."

Wouldn't a $1000 ticket cost 500 Pounds, = $1000 dollars?

I think the real expense for fans would be that no one (from the US) could drive to the game, everyone has to fly, minimum $500. Hotels in the London area are very expensive, (similar to NY) You have to eat no matter where you are............but all this at double the cost.
No matter how you cut it, the fans are not being taken into consideration.

Not a chance. Why lower it? They WOULD get it. Although your analysis is accurate, what I am saying is that they would do an apples to oranges price on it just to rake in the US $$$.

If they can get $2,000 for the tickets (or $1,000 pounds) it would be because demand is higher overseas, not because of the exchange rates. The NFL wouldn't do an "apple to oranges" thing, they would set the price for the tickets based on demand and the number of tickets available.

[ZachMN]

Having the Superbowl in another country before having the Superbowl in Lambeau is just wrong.


Agreed.

I always thought they should have a huge stadium in Canton and play it there every year; I realize the money part of the NFl will never allow that to happen but its my dream.......

[Merlin]

"A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL."

Wouldn't a $1000 ticket cost 500 Pounds, = $1000 dollars?

I think the real expense for fans would be that no one (from the US) could drive to the game, everyone has to fly, minimum $500. Hotels in the London area are very expensive, (similar to NY) You have to eat no matter where you are............but all this at double the cost.
No matter how you cut it, the fans are not being taken into consideration.

Not a chance. Why lower it? They WOULD get it. Although your analysis is accurate, what I am saying is that they would do an apples to oranges price on it just to rake in the US $$$.

If they can get $2,000 for the tickets (or $1,000 pounds) it would be because demand is higher overseas, not because of the exchange rates. The NFL wouldn't do an "apple to oranges" thing, they would set the price for the tickets based on demand and the number of tickets available.

Wtfever man, I have been to the UK, they would pay it and so would the rich evil white American's wanting to see the game live. Go ahead and be a tool, I love those.

[packinpatland]

"A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL."

Wouldn't a $1000 ticket cost 500 Pounds, = $1000 dollars?

I think the real expense for fans would be that no one (from the US) could drive to the game, everyone has to fly, minimum $500. Hotels in the London area are very expensive, (similar to NY) You have to eat no matter where you are............but all this at double the cost.
No matter how you cut it, the fans are not being taken into consideration.

Not a chance. Why lower it? They WOULD get it. Although your analysis is accurate, what I am saying is that they would do an apples to oranges price on it just to rake in the US $$$.

If they can get $2,000 for the tickets (or $1,000 pounds) it would be because demand is higher overseas, not because of the exchange rates. The NFL wouldn't do an "apple to oranges" thing, they would set the price for the tickets based on demand and the number of tickets available.

......in other words, they would try to screw the fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

[falco]

thats right, I'm the tool, and your the genius with a mastery of exchange rates.


"A $1000 ticket would cost 1000 Pounds = $2000 US. Double the money for the NFL."