Berlin bids for NFL games from 2025

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  The NFL is also due to stop off in Berlin.

• Berlin is ready to host NFL games.

Berlin is officially bidding to host several games of the NFL football league from 2025.

"The Senate decided today, based on the submissions, 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 Olympiastadion, preferably for a very long time." A partnership is planned from 2025 to 2029.

Eight games per season outside the USA

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

Investment of 12.5 million euros

Berlin has already hosted five pre-season games for NFL teams in the 90s. Since 2022, Munich and Frankfurt have each hosted two games in a season, Munich most recently last Sunday. The game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers (17:20 n.V.) was sold out within a few hours.A similar 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 pay for itself through the many visitors from Germany and abroad and provide a lasting boost for tourism. Spranger referred to the added value generated by the Games in Munich (70 million euros) and Frankfurt (110 million euros).

Playing surface in the Olympic Stadium must be extended by eight meters

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