The NFL is heading across the pond again. The league's International Series of regular-season games is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting the Chicago Bears.
The game will be played Sunday, October 23, at Wembley Stadium in London at 1:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. UK time). FOX will provide live television coverage in the United States.
“Our past four games in London have demonstrated the tremendous passion for NFL football that exists in the UK,” said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “We hope by staging another extraordinary game at Wembley that we can continue to grow our existing fan base and attract even more new fans.”
The game will mark the fifth Pepsi Max International Series contest.
Should the current labor situation be unresolved by August 1, the game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Buccaneers season ticket holders will receive detailed ticket information from the club in the near future regarding team ticketing policy for this game.
For fans planning to attend the game, a “registry of interest” will be launched later this week at www.nfluk.com. Those registered will be first in line for the opportunity to purchase tickets and, based on demand for previous London games, registration is recommended.
“Continuing London's love affair with the hugely popular stateside sport, we are proud to once again welcome two of America’s top NFL teams to the capital,” says BORIS JOHNSON, Mayor of London. “With a growing local fan base, it is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts from London and beyond to experience the unique thrill of a live game in one of the most iconic sports venues around, Wembley Stadium.”
A look at the four regular-season games played in the UK, all before sellout crowds:
Date | Visitor (Score) | Home (Score) | Att. | Site | Venue |
Sun, Oct. 28, 2007 | NY Giants (13) | Miami (10) | 81,176 | London | Wembley Stadium |
Sun, Oct. 26, 2008 | San Diego (32) | New Orleans (37) | 83,226 | London | Wembley Stadium |
Sun, Oct. 25, 2009 | New England (35) | Tampa Bay (7) | 84,254 | London | Wembley Stadium |
Sun, Oct. 31, 2010 | Denver (16) | San Francisco (24) | 83,941 | London | Wembley Stadium |
