The Rams are going to be "hosting" a game in London for the next three seasons. Up first is the Patriots, who they'll play on Oct. 28 of next season.
Jan 20, 2012 - The St. Louis Rams are taking the show overseas. At least for the next few years.
The NFL and the Rams announced on Friday that the Rams would be the team playing in Wembley Stadium this year. The league has been sending one game to London, England each year and they announced on Friday that the Rams would be the home team in 2012 -- and for 2013 and 2014. So that's three seasons of one game in London for the Rams.
On Oct. 28, 2012, they'll "host" the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium.
"This is a tremendous honor for our franchise, the city of St. Louis and our fans throughout the world," said Rams owner E. Stanley Kroenke. "We are excited about the opportunity to reach new audiences globally. This is a great platform to showcase the city of St. Louis to London and the UK.
"We've seen first-hand the increased popularity of the NFL not only in London but throughout Europe. To play a role in that growth over the next three years will be incredible and is a testament to the many good things happening not only in the NFL but also in the St. Louis Rams organization."
This is now going to make folks wonder whether the Rams are going to be the team that eventually moves to London on a full-time basis. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the other team some figured could be London-bound more often. It's unclear whether and to what extent the league is interested in having a team in England on a full-time basis.
One connection between the Rams and Bucs and playing in the overseas game is that both owners -- Rams' Stan Kroenke and Bucs' Malcolm Glazer -- also own international soccer teams. The Rams and Bucs also struggle to sell out their stadium, which is likely a significant part of this.
Check out Turf Show Times for more on the Rams and their London trips.
3 comments
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I will lose all faith in the NFL
if a team is relocated to England before exploring stateside options like Los Angeles. I would be more open to an expansion team in the UK, but how would that shape the league? Football is an American sport and should stay as such.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Jan 20, 2012 11:09 AM EST reply actions
trust me
If they don’t put a team in LA, its because its not feasible. They’re desperately trying to get one in there.
by Mark Mandingo on Jan 20, 2012 11:31 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sure fire way to make sure American Football never catches on in England
Send the Rams over ever year.
by tyrantking on Jan 20, 2012 12:00 PM EST reply actions
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