London to see three more NFL games in 2014

By Paul Osborne

October 9 - Three more regular-season NFL games are to be played in London next year in response to growing UK support for American football, it was announced today.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons will each play one home game at Wembley Stadium with the dates and opponents to be announced next year.

The move comes after huge increases in NFL interest from fans within the UK, with a current fan base of around 12 million, including 2.5 million avid fans, an increase of 30 per cent in the past two years.

The Minnesota Viking's thrilling 34-27 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last month drew a crowd of 83,815, showing the growing enthusiasm UK fan's have to the sport.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the new plans at the leagues fall meeting in Washington DC today.

"Our fans in the UK have continued to demonstrate that they love football and want more," he said.

"Both of this year's games in London sold out quickly.

"The fan enthusiasm for our sport continues to grow.

"By playing two games in the UK this year, we are creating more fans.

"We hope that with three games in London next year we will attract even more people to our game."

The Minnesota Vikings took on the Pittsburgh Steelers at a packed Wembley last month

The Jaguars, who are due to take on the San Francisco 49ers in London October 27, have committed to playing a regular season game at Wembley Stadium each season running through until 2016.

"The experience the Jaguars have had already in London has been every bit what we anticipated and more, and this is all before we've even played our first game in Wembley Stadium," said Jaguars owner Shad Khan.

"We made the right decision to commit to playing a home game in London each season through 2016.

"The Jaguars have a broader worldwide fan base today and the anticipation for our London game later this month is shared by our loyal fans in Jacksonville, so it's a perfect scenario for everyone.

"The energy and appetite for the NFL in the UK is incredible.

"The Raiders and Falcons will see for themselves next season."

Next year will see the first regular-season game beyond United States borders for both Atlanta and Oakland.

"We are excited and honoured to serve as ambassadors for our city, our state, and the National Football League," said Falcons wwner and chairman Arthur M. Blank.

"Playing in London will provide tremendous exposure to our team, as well as provide the opportunity to showcase the great international city of Atlanta.

"We are looking forward to representing the NFL on a global stage by playing in historic Wembley Stadium in what we are sure will be an entertaining game for NFL fans everywhere."

The Raider's will be returning to the city for the first time since their pre-season clash with the New Orleans Saints in 1990, played at the old Wembley Stadium before it was rebuilt.

"We are excited and embrace this great opportunity to assist in building NFL popularity worldwide," said Raiders owner Mark Davis.

"The Raiders are truly a global brand and we are looking forward to our home-field advantage at the new Wembley Stadium."

The Oakland Raiders will be in London for the first time since 1990s where they played the San Francisco 49ers at the Old Wembley Stadium

The Oakland Raiders will be in London for the first time since the 1990s where they played the San Francisco 49ers at the Old Wembley Stadium

Roger Maslin, Wembley Stadium's managing director, said: "This announcement further highlights the growth and success of the NFL in the UK.

"We're incredibly proud of being the venue of choice for the NFL and continuing our proud heritage of American football at Wembley Stadium.

"We are delighted to have witnessed the excitement and enthusiasm of the fans and Club Wembley members at these matches.

"Their passion and commitment for the game has helped the International Series go from strength to strength."

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