Berlin Goes Gridiron: NFL Games Coming to Germany’s Capital!
(Berlin) The Berlin City Council officially submitted its application Tuesday for NFL games for five years, starting in 2025. Now, if only they could apply for a few good teams to show up, right?
Well, it looks like Berlin is stepping onto the NFL field—no pun intended—looking to deliver some serious pigskin action! Yes, Berlin will reportedly become the third German city to host regular season games. First, there were Munich, which had its first game in 2022—ah, those were the days when they couldn’t even spell “touchdown” without a beer in hand—and Frankfurt, which hosted last year.
Now Berlin wants in on the fun. Maybe they think it’s a great excuse to get Americans to try their sausages!
The grand venue will be the Olympiastadion, a marvelous beast of a stadium, boasting a capacity of 74,000 seats. This hallowed ground, which has witnessed its fair share of soccer shenanigans—including the 2006 Men’s Soccer World Cup finals—will now play host to some very confused NFL players. I mean, what’s a field goal in German, anyway? Goldene Tor drei Punkte? Just a thought!
When the NFL initially looked into taking their game across the pond, Berlin was nowhere to be found on the shortlist. Can you believe that? The three finalists were Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf—still sitting around waiting for their turn like the last kid picked in gym class.
The NFL’s powers that be saw fit to grant eight international games a season after their owners voted on it last December. This past season, brave warriors took to foreign fields in London, Munich, and even São Paulo, the land of samba and sun! And now, guess what? The next destination is none other than Madrid! Yes, Spain gets to play host for the first time next year—talk about a tactical offense!
So, Berlin, soak in the spotlight! Get ready for the beer flow to rival the Rhine and the nachos to fight with the currywurst for supremacy—because we all know the Germans know their food. Just remember to ask the players to leave the ‘fussball’ moves back in their own leagues!
On Tuesday, the Berlin City Council took a significant step toward hosting NFL matches by officially submitting an application for a five-year agreement beginning in 2025.
Published at 9:30 a.m.
With this move, Berlin aims to join Munich and Frankfurt as the third German city to stage regular season NFL games. Notably, Munich welcomed its inaugural game in 2022, which featured a thrilling 20-17 overtime victory by the Carolina Panthers against the New York Giants.
The anticipated games in Berlin would take place at the renowned Olympiastadion, a historic venue that hosted NFL preseason contests during the 1990s and boasts a capacity of 74,000 seats. This grand stadium has also been the backdrop for prestigious sporting events, including the finals of the 2006 Men’s Soccer World Cup and this year’s European Championship.
Interestingly, Berlin was not initially considered among the German contenders for hosting regular season NFL games when the league first looked into staging international contests in Germany. In 2021, the three finalist cities were Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf, the latter of which has yet to host a game.
In a landmark decision last December, NFL owners voted to permit the league to stage a total of eight international games each season. This year alone, five matchups were held outside the United States, taking place in cities such as London, Munich, and São Paulo, Brazil.
Excitingly, a new international destination has already been confirmed for next season. The NFL will make its debut in Spain with a historic match set to occur in Madrid, the vibrant capital city.
**Interview with Peter Müller, Sports Columnist and NFL Enthusiast**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Peter! Berlin’s application to host NFL games is exciting news. How significant do you think this move is for the city?
**Peter Müller:** Thank you for having me! This is a monumental step for Berlin. It not only solidifies the city’s position as a major sports hub in Europe but also opens the doors for greater American football culture in Germany. Hosting NFL games will certainly attract tourists and enhance the economic landscape.
**Editor:** Absolutely! Berlin joins Munich and Frankfurt in the ranks of NFL host cities. What do you think prompted the league to consider Berlin now?
**Peter Müller:** It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Initially overlooked, Berlin’s rich sports history and passionate fanbase couldn’t be ignored any longer. After witnessing the success of games in Munich and Frankfurt, the NFL recognized that Berlin could bring an electrifying atmosphere to the league. Plus, who wouldn’t want to play in such a historic venue as the Olympiastadion?
**Editor:** Speaking of the Olympiastadion, what do you think it brings to the NFL experience compared to other stadiums?
**Peter Müller:** The Olympiastadion is iconic! Its combination of history and modernity provides a unique backdrop for NFL games. The atmosphere is sure to be incredible, especially with seating for 74,000 fans. You can expect a vibrant spectacle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the unique German fan culture adds a different flavor to the NFL experience.
**Editor:** Changing gears a bit—do you think the NFL will need to adapt its marketing strategy to better engage with the German audience?
**Peter Müller:** Certainly! Understanding local customs and preferences will be key. The NFL has to embrace the German love for sports, sausages, and of course, their own football – or ‘Fussball’ – while teaching fans about American football culture. It’ll be essential to create a celebratory environment that blends the best of both worlds.
**Editor:** Lastly, do you think NFL games in Berlin could spark more interest in American football in Germany?
**Peter Müller:** Without a doubt! Events like these will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes to take up the sport. We’ve already seen a rise in amateur leagues and youth programs in recent years. The more visibility the NFL has, combined with regular games in Berlin, will only serve to boost interest and participation in American football throughout Germany.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Peter. We’re excited to see how this unfolds and what it means for Berlin and the NFL landscape!
**Peter Müller:** My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for both the city and the league, and I can’t wait to see how this develops!