Is the hype about the NFL games in Germany already over? No! The Munich Game 2024 was different than the magical debut two years ago. But that certainly doesn’t make it any worse. A comment.
Kevin Obermaier reports from the Allianz Arena
Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong.
When John Denver sounded through the Allianz Arena towards the end of the NFL Munich Game between the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants, you felt like you were transported back for a moment.
When the wonderfully roaring country song was heard almost in unison from 70,000 throats at the NFL debut on German soil two years ago, a moment for eternity was born.
The moment that, perhaps more than any other, was associated with German fans’ love for American football. Which symbolized the hype that the egg-shaped leather had triggered in this country. And culminated in an emotional volcanic eruption in the first Munich Game.
Now, two years later, the magic of the first Country Roads may have worn off a bit. But that doesn’t mean it was any less beautiful. Quite the opposite.
It was just a little different.
NFL in Munich – a lot different, but not worse
Just like almost everything about this second NFL game in the Bavarian capital and the fourth overall on German soil.
It is clear that the magic of the first time cannot (and should not) be repeated. What’s new is precisely what’s exciting, what sets it apart from everything that follows.
Two years ago, “Good Morning Football” broadcast live from Munich’s Marienplatz during the entire Hot Week and interacted lively with the fans in attendance. Not this time. At first glance: sobering. But on the second one you admit: It probably wouldn’t have been as cool anymore, it’s good that the unique thing from back then was preserved.
Fan events were moved behind the stadium and were only accessible to ticket holders. At first glance: a shame. But on second thought it simply made sense: the admission controls – the biggest pain point two years ago – were so much (!) faster. Fans without tickets were able to enjoy the same activities in the city.
The NFL had to change things
Pragmatic decisions like these do not mean that the NFL has lost interest in Germany, the German fans. Quite the opposite: ten NFL teams have marketing rights for Germany, only as many are active in Mexico. The interest is unbroken, yes: greater than ever.
The decisions are simply the result of experience. At some point a certain routine inevitably comes into the Germany games. And for many, routine is – unfortunately – an antonym for fun.
Fun was certainly not a problem in 2024 either. The Panthers fan festival on Wittelsbacher Platz was well attended, and the numerous pubs in downtown Munich, which were transformed into NFL team pubs, were packed.
And there were certainly sporting reasons for the fact that many tickets were still available for purchase on the secondary market days before the game. Two teams that are 2-7 don’t provide the same rush as the Seattle Seahawks, who are so popular here. And fewer people want to see Daniel Jones live than Tom Brady.
NFL 2024
In the end, the Allianz Arena was still full. Surprise. And the atmosphere is brilliant.
In any case, NFL Germany boss Alexander Steinforth said: “This time too we could have sold several million tickets, the demand was even greater than two years ago.” And it probably won’t get smaller any time soon.
NFL in Germany: enthusiasm instead of hype
Hype is a big word. One that was often used to describe the development of American football in Germany in recent years. And rightly so.
But maybe it’s time to use something else: enthusiasm. Because it is unbroken.
But changes, like in Munich 2024, are important. Magical moments cannot be copied, they must be recreated. Comparisons are therefore usually pointless.
If everything stays the same, hardly any new people will be enthusiastic about football. Other cities, such as Düsseldorf or Berlin, can be a start here.
The hype – your hype – made it possible to bring the NFL to Germany. Enthusiasm will keep them here.
And ensure that we hear Country Roads very often in German NFL stadiums.
Different than the first time. But no less beautiful.
