GlenRice- According to the NFL schedule, The London game counts as a home game for the Buccaneers and an away game for the Patriots. But, technically, it is not a home game, which is why I hate these overseas games, during the season. One team basically only gets 7 home games, it's not a problem for a team, like the Bucs. But doesn't it cheat the home fans out of one opportunity to go to any NFL game, while if the team is a playoff or division race. Won't that team be at a disadvantage to the other team.
Also, it doesn't serve any point to have NFL regular season game in London, except from a financial standpoint. Most people in London, United Kingdom, and Britain do not care about American Football. To most of them, it is just another sporting event, as most of the people going to the game could probably care less if it is pre-season or playoff game. Why not put an NFL game in American city that doesn't have a team (San Antonio; Columbus, OH; Some of the bigger New England cities; or a big southern town that doesn't have an NFL team)? There are alot of cities that have never even been close to NFL team.
So glad someone decided to post the world's largest picture in this thread. Made it much easier to view and reply to.
Wow, how about a spoiler on that picture??? Sheesh. Anyways, this whole "expanding to London" thing the NFL is trying to do is just a fad to try and drum up some support from outside of the States. There is absolutely no way a team will ever be placed IN London (despite what Goodell might say) simply because the logistics would never work. Unless they are going to guarantee that the team that has to travel there for road games would be coming off their bye week, there is no way the hours would align week in and week out. That being said, unless I'm actually GOING to the game in London, I would hate it. Missing out on a home game is a HUGE deal....especially for a team like the Texans. Home field means everything to us (maybe not THIS year so far) since we have such a home-heavy winning pct.
I'm of the opinion that teams with poor attendance situations should be sent as the "home" team. Can't sell out your 8 games? Then why don't we make it 7 and save your season ticket holders some cash. Shades of the Bills ceding a game to Toronto to help their financial situation. Don't punish good teams with good stadium situations with this. Send the Jags, the Raiders, the Lions, the Rams, the Falcons as the "home" team. Evan
There is a reason why Goodell chose New England and Tampa Bay. New England is widely know as a premiere franchise in the NFL. No way Tampa was gonna get any love over there.
No way the Texans would outright agree to that. Of course the NFL could tell any team "hey, you're playing in London next year", but if the Texans have any control over it they wouldn't do it. They are one of the most profitable franchises in the league and would lose out on a ton of revenue by losing just one home game. The Texans have been asked on occasion (just as speculation) whether or not they'd consider playing in Mexico City as a home game, which they have said they would not. All that being said, it's a moot point anyway because the Texans are one of the least recognizable and least popular teams around the US. I think the average person that watches football occasionally but doesn't really follow it and is not a "fan" still doesn't even know who the Texans are.
Would go for the trip experience if the cost was low. Much like I'd go to San Francisco if the Texans played a game there. Will keep repeating it every time international outreach is mentioned. (American) Fans rooting interests are tied into the culture they're living in, the culture they can relate to. Its localized, home town, regional, or being fan of the popular teams in the league. Fans see right through the whole international attempts. Why because - its sucks to say and we're not good people for it, other countries are better than us - but Americans dont CARE about stretching the product thin inviting all kinds of foreign interests in. Or moving the product to Berlin. If its intitiated from the fans, thats fine that'd be great. I just hate how the league approaches it like its doing us a favor. Like we'd find it so alluring and be into it if its introduced right. No I wouldnt
I bet the Cowboys with the new stadium doesnt to give a home game to London. Mexico city is a good place to play for popular teams here like: Cowboys, steelers, raiders. players would feel like a home game, with 100,000 screaming for them.
