Tottenham Hotspur Could Potentially Host a Future Super Bowl
We are exactly one week away from Super Bowl 58, a series of games so big that they are designated by Roman numerals. This will be the first Super Bowl ever in Las Vegas, and back in the 1960s, when this franchise began, the idea of playing the big game in Sin City was unfathomable. So what could be the next ground-breaking, revolutionary location idea? How about Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London?
According to Sports Illustrated, the National Football League (NFL) put $13.3 million toward THS’ approximate £350-£400 ($600) million construction costs. The venue is more than the NFL’s home in London; it’s a major investment made by the league.
London has been the main location in which the NFL has pushed its objective of expanding its product into international markets, and it’s clear they are only going to escalate this initiative.
My ambition is to have more American football games in London and ultimately for there to be a franchise and, dare I say it, even the Super Bowl, said London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a 2018 interview, just before the venue opened.
While the idea of a London Super Bowl faces long odds, having an elite, first-class venue like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in place means you can’t rule it out.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the most advanced and multi-purpose stadiums in the world, with a retractable grass field for football (soccer) and an artificial surface underneath specifically designed for American football. This versatility is ingrained, given Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s partnership with the NFL and their commitment to hosting the NFL’s International Series.
However, hosting a Super Bowl outside the United States would come with major obstacles. The NFL would have to weigh many deciding factors and make significant adjustments.
Hosting in London would require a shift from the traditional Super Bowl kickoff time of 6:30 pm EST. However, given that London is five hours ahead of eastern standard time, the game could easily be scheduled at 1 pm or 4:15 pm EST, the traditional Sunday kickoff times that U.S. audiences are used to.
While it’s a fascinating idea, the reality of hosting a Super Bowl outside the United States remains unlikely due to logistical, commercial, and cultural reasons. The NFL has specific requirements for Super Bowl cities, including infrastructure to handle the influx of visitors and media.
Nevertheless, if any venue outside the U.S. has the potential to host a Super Bowl in the near future, it would be Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and the NFL’s growing interest in the United Kingdom, the idea of a Super Bowl in London is enticing. However, the NFL would need to overcome challenges such as jet lag for teams, media, and fans traveling to the game.
The Super Bowl is a cornerstone of American sports, marketing, entertainment, and advertising culture. While it embodies all of that in the United States, it remains uncertain how such a corporate culture atmosphere would resonate abroad.
As sports continue to globalize, the possibility of a London Super Bowl is not out of the realm of possibility. However, for now, football fans will have to enjoy the spectacle in the United States.
In summary, while hosting a Super Bowl in London may face considerable challenges, the advanced infrastructure and commitment by the NFL make Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a potential future host. As the NFL continues to explore international markets, the idea of a Super Bowl outside the United States remains an intriguing possibility, but one that is unlikely to become a reality in the immediate future.
