American Football captures nearly seventy thousand fans at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Friday as the New England Patriots face the Detroit Lions in the National Football League’s latest regular-season push into the German market.
- Global game broadcasts in London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexiko-Stadt, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro are part of the increasing international encounters driven by the rising popularity abroad.
Dave Carter arrived in Germany decades ago as a United States soldier stationed in Mainz, Hanau, Stuttgart, and Augsburg. Returning for the trip between his preferred franchise and New England, Carter noted the changes since the 1980s.
“Something like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! For me, it’s wonderful to see how things have changed since the 1980s when I drove trucks here. Everything looks so modern! And the atmosphere is simply indescribable,” Carter told ZDFheute.
The National Football League transformed Munich’s city center ahead of kickoff. The Lions set up an extensive fan festival on the historic Odeonsplatz featuring corndogs and burger stands. Meanwhile, the Patriots designated the Augustiner-Stammhaus as their official Boston in Bavaria gathering spot.
“It’s totally cool. They’re funny, they drink, they’re polite and nice. That’s exactly what you want from fans! Everyone’s in a great mood because it’s such a wonderful community,” Ines Schipper told ZDFheute at the Augustiner Stammhaus.
| Host City | Matchup | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | San Francisco 49ers – Los Angeles Rams 27:7 | 2026 |
| Rio de Janeiro | Baltimore Ravens – Dallas Cowboys 34:31 | 2026 |
| London | Indianapolis Colts – Washington Commanders 30:13 | 2026 |
| London | Philadelphia Eagles – Jacksonville Jaguars 17:19 | 2026 |
| London | Houston Texans – Jacksonville Jaguars 34:31 | 2026 |
| Paris | Pittsburgh Steelers – New Orleans Saints 16:10 | 2026 |
| Madrid | Cincinnati Bengals – Atlanta Falcons 34:17 | 2026 |
| Munich | New England Patriots – Detroit Lions | November 13, 2026 |
| Mexico City | Minnesota Vikings – San Francisco 49ers | 2026 |
Behind the local celebrations sits a multi-billion-dollar league expansion strategy. Eleven franchises currently hold specific international marketing rights in Germany alongside comparable packages deployed across Argentina, Ghana, Ireland, and Switzerland.
Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown anchors much of the local interest, holding a contract extension through the 2028 season valued at approximately 120 million dollars. With maternal roots in Leverkusen and a German passport, St. Brown addressed the local reception.
“I get the impression that fans are really enthusiastic about this sport. Whether that’s because it’s different from soccer or because it’s simply something completely new for them,” St. Brown told ZDFheute, adding: “I know how much German fans love American football. They’re simply great.”
Daniela Bär highlighted the unique spectator culture inside the venue. “Football is family. That’s simply the motto here. No matter which club you support: the atmosphere is simply amazing. We love being here,” Bär told ZDFheute.
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