Germany’s legion of NFL fans welcomes the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants this Sunday, both struggling with 2-7 records and lacking marquee players. Yet, the excitement surrounding the NFL in Munich remains palpable.
On Saturday, the city center buzzed with supporters donning caps and jerseys from various teams. For the expanding community of NFL enthusiasts in Germany, this matchup offers a unique opportunity to unite with fellow fans over a shared love for the sport.
Among the throngs in the historic Marienplatz square were Annika and Robert Peter from Bonn. Devoted Kansas City Chiefs supporters, they attended last year’s game in Frankfurt where the Chiefs triumphed over the Miami Dolphins, 21-14. They are eager to soak in the NFL atmosphere once again.
“Even though the Chiefs aren’t playing this time, the overall experience is still incredibly special,” Annika Peter remarked. “It’s a sense of belonging, regardless of which team fans support. It feels like a large family gathering in the city to enjoy the games together.”
The clash between the Giants and Panthers—who are technically the home team—sold out in just over 90 minutes when tickets became available in June, long before the reality of their challenging season set in.
However, a noticeable dip in enthusiasm has emerged, as online resale platforms displayed hundreds of tickets for the game on Friday and Saturday, often priced at or below face value. This contrasts sharply with the frenzy surrounding Tom Brady’s appearance at the same venue in 2022.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, another team struggling this season, have played a significant role in the NFL’s global outreach, hosting 13 international games in London since 2013, including two this year. Like the Giants and Panthers, they too hold a 2-7 record.
“It’s understandable that the full potential of the league hasn’t been realized yet,” noted Chatrath, emphasizing that the teams on the field are secondary to the NFL brand itself. “Being at an NFL game is what truly matters.”
To distinguish itself from European sports, the NFL seeks to create an event-like atmosphere. Fans traveling to Munich from various parts of Europe are encouraged to turn their visit into a mini-vacation, with NFL-themed events scattered throughout the city. The ten NFL teams with marketing rights in Germany have each claimed a Munich bar, many of which are historic breweries, to host fan parties and hospitality events this weekend.
The NFL’s commitment to parity provides hope for European fans of underperforming teams like the Giants and Panthers. Many are growing weary of soccer, where wealthier clubs often dominate national leagues and the Champions League.
Boris Helleu, a sports marketing lecturer at the University of Caen Normandy in France, attends NFL games in Europe but also supports the local soccer club Caen, which has not won a major trophy in its 110-year history.
“We haven’t achieved anything in our history,” Helleu lamented. “I’m quite certain that I won’t see my local team win anything in my lifetime.” He finds the NFL offers a refreshing change.
“As a fan of a struggling NFL team, there’s always hope that in five years, a championship could be within reach.”
