During last night's conference championship game, on UK TV, the Managing director of NFL operations in Europe, Alistair Kirkwood, divulged that the home team for this years games which will be played in the UK, will be one of the following four; Seattle, Kansas, Tampa Bay or New Orleans. Kirkwood also stated that the game would not be a divisional game, and would be an inter-conference game. A quick calculation throws up a limited number of options. Seattles game against the New England Patriots would be a popular choice in the UK because the Pats are the most followed team here, (success breeds glory hunters obviously), but earlier in the programme Kirkwood had said that a visit to the UK this year for the Pats would be unlikely for "contractual reasons". The only other game involving the Seahawks would be against the Jets. The Jets @ the Seahawks is a real possibility for this years International NFL game. Kirkwood also stated that a desicion has not been made about the Venue as yet, last years game was at Wembely in London, 2 other real possible alternatives are Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, home of the Scottish RFU, (Rugby Football Union) and The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, home of the Welsh RFU. This news is hot of the press guys, no press or media release, so no links as yet to confirm what I'm saying but I'm sure you know me by now that I wouldn't thread BS. Whatever game comes here is sure to be another sellout, demand is incredible for tickets and the atmosphere will be outstanding. Lets have your thoughts.
There is no way the Pats are the most followed team here. Miami and Washington are far more popular, even San Francisco. The Pats fans are just louder because they're the ones with a team that doesn't suck right now.
This is a good point, I think the Giants trip here last year wouldn't have been too disimilar to travelling to Miami in terms of milage. I was surprised though that both teams waited until the Friday before the game to arrive.
We had this discussion last year and some smartass confirmed through NFL UK that the Pats are the best supported team here. Jets are well supported too and I believe have a great following in Germany. Maybe German Jetsfan can confirm.
Travel wise it's about 1,000 more miles to London but Seattle has an excellent home field advantage and we would be guaranteed a bye week after the game, I think it would be a big benefit to play them at a neutral site than in Qwest Field.
Very sceptical. We haven't even had to endure the SB yet. Like I say to my wife, (still waiting on her new kitchen), "Next year we'll get it sorted".
yes and no Yes for us over here No for the history and heritage of our franchise and the core support who go week in week out to the meadowlands. They are the people that keep the team going and they are the ones that shouldnt be messed around Not as bad really with us being the away team but still, I think its wrong (not that I will be sitting at home in october should the jets get the game)
This has already been mentioned http://forums.theganggreen.com/showthread.php?t=28917 HIGHLY unlikely the Seahawk and Jets will get the nod. More like the Raiders~Patriots
You didn't read my post properly. One of the teams involved has to be Seahawks, Saints, Bucs or Chiefs. Raiders and Pats is a non starter unless Kirkwood is trying to confuse us.
With the Jets winning half of it's duel personality due to show up next season, I'd love too see them travel to the UK to play Seattle rather then them travel to Seattle.
I thought he said a home team that will play an inter-conference game. Seahawks (home) Vs Jets (away) fits that criteria. I just doubt that that match-up would be a big enough draw I think the Saints/Raiders would have a much bigger draw
