Crowds like at the Wirtshaus-Wiesn
The Munich Hofbräuhaus has recently been upgraded. The experiences from 2022, at the premiere of the first game of the National Football League (NFL) in Germany, have shown: US fans love Bavarian food and culture. “The mood is good,” says Hermann Haas, head waiter at the Munich Hofbräuhaus. “It’s quieter than usual with the football fans. The Americans don’t sing all the time. That’s more pleasant.” More pork knuckles, more beer mugs, more staff. “It feels like you’re at the Wirtshaus-Wiesn.”
The NFL’s goal: more football fans in Europe
It is the second game that the NFL is playing in Munich. The German market is growing and is therefore particularly important for the American football league, which has been holding regular league games outside the USA several times a year since 2005. Several million people wanted a ticket for the “Munich Game” – for their German Super Bowl – even though it is not a top game.
The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers have celebrated two wins this season but suffered seven defeats. Progressing into the playoffs is becoming less likely from week to week. The trip to Munich comes at just the right time, says Panthers player Adam Thielen shortly after arriving in Bavaria. “We’ve had an eight-hour flight and have to fight jet lag. That really bonds us as a team.” Jakob Johnson from the New York Giants also pushes the mental and physical challenge into the background. “We are guests here at Bayern Munich. As a child you watch the Bundesliga and are an Oliver Kahn fan and now being able to be here with my sport is very cool.”
From soccer to football arena in two days
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday – just a few hours after the final whistle of the Champions League soccer game between Munich and Lisbon – the major renovation began in the Munich Allianz Arena. Everything had to be ready by Saturday morning. It started at the same time in several places in the stadium. The playing field was expanded, fences were dismantled, goal posts were set up for field goals. Inside, the cabins were enlarged to accommodate 53 players per team. In addition, the FC Bayern Munich logos in and around the stadium were replaced by NFL symbols. According to Todd Barnes, head of the renovation team, this is necessary to give fans the most authentically American experience possible. Particularly challenging this year: the team had one day less time for the renovation than in 2022.
Panthers win after overtime drama
On Sunday, Giulia and Sercan arrive at the stadium three hours before kickoff. “I’m very excited,” beams Giulia. She holds the small video camera in her hand. The two are still looking for the best fan outfit. “It’s really just football fans here. And there’s a lot more going on in the city than yesterday.” After 30 minutes you reach your destination. “Cat Daddy”, a Carolina fan with a huge panther mask and leather pants, wins. Now the super fans can take their seats. Sercan is thrilled. “It’s a completely different feeling being in here now. The stadium is very impressive and I’ve already spotted Giants players on the field. It’s amazing.” Together with 70,000 spectators, the two experience a thrilling game until the last second. After three and a half hours, the guest performance in Munich is over. The Carolina Panthers won 20:17 after overtime.
“Our expectations were exceeded. We had really great days in Munich. It was a lot of fun. We’ll be back,” Giulia and Sercan agree. Next year the NFL wants to play in the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
