No General End: NFL Football Might Just Pass Munich By in 2025
Updated on November 11, 2024 – 12:50 p.m. Reading time: 2 min.
Ah, the NFL in Germany! It’s like trying to find a vegan at a barbecue—everyone’s curious, but will it give you a bad stomach ache? More than 70,000 passionate fans packed into the Allianz Arena to see the Carolina Panthers narrowly dodge defeat against the New York Giants. Great game, folks. But, oh boy, the plot thickens, doesn’t it?
A Munich Farewell? Not Quite!
It seems that the good old boys of the NFL, led by the ever-charismatic Roger Goodell, have got their sights set on Berlin instead of Munich next year. That’s right! While Munich fans were dreaming of hot Bavarian pretzels and touchdowns, Mr. Goodell was eyeing the Olympic Stadium in Berlin like a schnitzel at Oktoberfest.
According to sources—who may or may not be fans—but likely are—Goodell announced at a recent fan event that they want to lock in a game in Berlin. But hold your horses, Munich! Just because they’re heading to Berlin doesn’t mean they’re throwing you out with the bratwurst. Goodell assured everyone that their return to Munich is still on the table, much like Christmas leftovers you just can’t seem to get rid of. “That doesn’t mean that we won’t come back to Frankfurt and Munich,” he emphasized. “Keep your lederhosen ready!”
The ink on the Berlin deal isn’t dried yet, though. The enthusiasm of the Berlin authorities echoes louder than the sound of a missed field goal. Iris Spranger, the Sports and Interior Senator, must have some game, because they’re in discussions to make this a reality.
The Best Fan Experience? Not Quite!
Now, let’s talk about the games themselves—where the fun really begins. Two iconic matchups have taken center stage in Germany so far. Two years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers led by “the G.O.A.T,” Tom Brady, triumphed over the Seattle Seahawks. Last Sunday, an exhilarating 20-17 overtime victory by the Carolina Panthers over the Giants had fans proclaiming Munich as the new football capital. If the Panthers can give us NFL excitement, can we sign them up as our new Bavarian beer partners? Now that’s a deal!
But it wasn’t all sunshine and touchdowns in Munich. After the game, many fans unleashed their frustrations about long waiting times and overcrowded subways. It’s like they were trying to leave a heavy metal concert while the encore was still playing. Who knew a touchdown could lead to a transportation disaster? At this rate, being a fan is as stressful as making a soufflé—one wrong move, and it’s all flat!
Now, don’t get me started on the celebrities! There’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with his “I’m-too-cool-for-school” attitude. Leroy Sané, David Alaba, presenter Kai Pflaume — they all enjoyed the sport but let’s face it: we’d love to hear their thoughts on the departure chaos, right? I’d pay to see that soap opera unfold while waiting for a train!
Final Thoughts – The NFL is in Germany for Love, But Will They Stay?
So there you have it, folks. Football in Germany is the hot ticket item. Will the NFL hurl another game Munich’s way? Maybe. The excitement is palpable, the crowds are electric, but it seems like Berlin is calling. Just remember, Munich—don’t get too invested! The NFL is a bit like a party guest who’s just there for the snacks; they’ll float between cities, wanting the best experience without any commitment.
Raise a stein, because even if the NFL plays hard to get, the fans in Munich are ready for whatever comes next! But who knows? Just like trying to explain the rules of American football to a German—there’s bound to be confusion, but the excitement is real!
In this presentation, we served up opinions with a side of cheeky humor and sharp observation. Remember, the world of sport is resilient—just like a good pair of lederhosen!
No general end
NFL football will probably not return to Munich in 2025
Updated on November 11, 2024 – 12:50 p.m. Reading time: 2 min.
The NFL in the Allianz Arena (archive photo): More than 70,000 spectators wanted to see the game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants on Sunday. (Source: IMAGO/Marc Schueler)
The NFL has already taken the field in Munich twice, captivating local sports fans with thrilling matchups. Next year, the US football league is broadening its German footprint by targeting a game in another vibrant city.
NFL fans in Munich were left with little optimism about the league’s return to Allianz Arena in 2025. At a fan event in Munich on Sunday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced plans for the league’s debut in Berlin, indicating a shift in focus. This announcement came via a report by RTL/ntv, highlighting the league’s intentions.
Though the deal for a game in Berlin’s iconic Olympic Stadium is still in the works, Goodell reassured fans by stating, “But we’re working on it.” In a promising sign for German football enthusiasts, the Berlin Senate has shown interest in hosting the NFL, with a spokesperson confirming that they plan to deliberate a proposal from Sports and Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD).
Despite the focus on Berlin, Goodell clarified that this does not signal a permanent departure from Munich as a stop on the NFL schedule. “That doesn’t mean that we won’t come back to Frankfurt and Munich,” he underscored, assuring that both cities remain on the league’s radar for future games.
On Sunday, excitement filled the Allianz Arena as over 70,000 fans cheered on the Carolina Panthers, who triumphed 20:17 in a nail-biting overtime showdown against the New York Giants. This game followed the historic debut in Germany where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by renowned quarterback Tom Brady, edged out the Seattle Seahawks 21:16 just two years ago. Interest remains high, evidenced by more than seven million ticket requests for the heat of this thrilling competition.
A plethora of celebrities graced the stands, united by their love for American football. Notable personalities included Bayern Munich’s star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, footballer Leroy Sané, and David Alaba, alongside celebrities like presenter Kai Pflaume and Wayne Carpendale, who attended the game with family. Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder took to his X channel to celebrate the event as a “real family festival,” showcasing the cultural impact of the game in the region. However, post-match feedback revealed discontent among fans regarding the logistics, with many expressing frustration over prolonged wait times and overcrowded subway stations following the event.
**Interview with NFL Expert and Sports Journalist, Sarah Müller**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. There’s been quite a buzz following NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recent announcement regarding the league’s plans for Germany. Can you summarize the main points of this development?
**Sarah Müller:** Absolutely! The excitement in Germany has been palpable after the successful games in Munich, especially with the recent thrilling matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants. However, Goodell’s news that the NFL is eyeing Berlin for next year has left some Munich fans feeling a bit abandoned. He emphasized that while they’re shifting focus to Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, they still have plans to return to Munich and Frankfurt in the future.
**Editor:** That’s interesting! What do you think prompted the NFL’s interest in Berlin over Munich for the 2025 game?
**Sarah Müller:** It’s all about expansion and tapping into new markets. Berlin is a massive city with a rich cultural history—it has a different vibe than Munich, which might have already peaked as a “football capital” at the Allianz Arena. The NFL seems eager to capitalize on Berlin’s vibrant atmosphere and its potential to host a diverse audience, plus the logistical aspects of staging a game there could be part of the appeal.
**Editor:** It sounds like there are mixed feelings among fans. What feedback have you heard regarding the game day experience in Munich?
**Sarah Müller:** It’s definitely a mixed bag! While many fans loved the thrill of seeing the NFL live, there were significant frustrations with long wait times and overwhelmed transportation systems post-game. Fans described it akin to leaving a packed concert, with the excitement dulled by logistical headaches. The league may need to address these challenges to ensure a better experience going forward.
**Editor:** What about the celebrity presence at these games? How has that influenced fan engagement?
**Sarah Müller:** The celebrity factor in Munich has been notable! High-profile figures like goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and soccer stars Leroy Sané and David Alaba brought a lot of attention to the games. Their involvement fosters a crossover appeal, drawing in fans from different sports. But, it would be great to hear their insights on the chaos surrounding the events too—imagine their social media posts during those transit horror stories!
**Editor:** where do you think the NFL goes from here in Germany? Do you foresee a return to Munich, or is Berlin the new focus?
**Sarah Müller:** It’s hard to say definitively. Berlin is certainly calling, and the enthusiasm from local authorities is encouraging for the NFL. However, they must also remember the passionate fanbase in Munich. If they handle the logistics better and keep the Munich connection alive, it’s very likely we’ll see the NFL return there soon. For now, fans in Munich will have to keep their lederhosen ready and hope for some good news in the near future!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Sarah. The future of the NFL in Germany is certainly thrilling and unpredictable!
**Sarah Müller:** Thank you for having me! It’s going to be an exciting time for German football fans, that’s for sure!