American Football: Berlin applies for NFL games

Berlin is officially applying to host several NFL football league games from 2025. “Based on the templates, the Senate decided today that the sports metropolis of Berlin will apply to host NFL games in the long term,” said sports senator Iris Spranger (SPD). . “We would like to see the NFL in the Olympic Stadium, ideally for a very long time.” A partnership is planned from 2025 to 2029.

League boss Roger Goodell had already spoken openly about the Berlin plans on Sunday at the game in Munich. With the official application, Berlin is getting closer to finalization. Spranger, who is also present in Munich, expects that it will be a few weeks before the contract is signed. The politician would like to bring three games to Berlin in four years. Worldwide, the NFL plays eight games per season outside the United States. Munich and Frankfurt could also continue to act as hosts.

Berlin hosted preparation games for NFL teams five times in the 90s. Since 2022, Munich and Frankfurt have each hosted two games in one season, Munich most recently last Sunday. The game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers (17:20 nV) was sold out within a few hours.

Momentum for tourism

Such an effect is also expected in Berlin. The city is therefore investing a double-digit sum of 12.5 million euros in the events. The investment should more than just pay for itself thanks to the many visitors from home and abroad and provide lasting impetus for tourism. Spranger referred to the added value of the games in Munich (70 million euros) and Frankfurt (110 million).

“The NFL has an outstanding global TV presence with broadcasts in approximately 220 countries. Berlin would also benefit from a tourism and economic perspective. We would also make infrastructural improvements in the Olympic Stadium and other sports facilities,” said Spranger. In the Olympic Stadium, the playing area would have to be expanded by eight meters and the cabins would also have to be rebuilt.