NFL to Host First Regular-Season Game in Berlin's Iconic Olympiastadion

The National Football League (NFL) is set to make history today by hosting its first-ever regular-season game in Berlin, Germany. The Indianapolis Colts will face the Atlanta Falcons at the iconic Olympiastadion, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. EST). This landmark event underscores the NFL's commitment to expanding its global footprint and engaging with a growing international fan base.

The Olympiastadion, renowned for hosting the 1936 Summer Olympics, has a storied history with American football. Between 1990 and 1994, it was the venue for five American Bowl preseason games. Additionally, from 2003 to 2007, it served as the home stadium for NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder. The return of the NFL to this historic venue marks a significant moment in the league's international endeavors.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighted the significance of this event, stating, "Germany has a rich tradition of American football, and the NFL has a deep history with the city of Berlin. We first held a preseason game at the Olympic Stadium 34 years ago, before it was home to NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder in the early 2000s. Now, with almost 20 million NFL fans in Germany, we'll make a historic return to the city playing a regular-season game for the first time as we open the next chapter in our relationship with Berlin." nfl.com

The decision to host a regular-season game in Berlin is part of the NFL's broader strategy to engage international audiences. Since 2022, the league has successfully held regular-season games in Munich and Frankfurt, making this the fifth NFL regular-season game in Germany and the first in the capital city. nfl.com

The Indianapolis Colts have been designated as the home team for this matchup. This game marks the Colts' third international regular-season appearance. They previously played as the road team against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in 2016 and against the New England Patriots at Frankfurt Stadium in 2023. Notably, the Colts are the first NFL team to play multiple regular-season games in Germany. colts.com

The Atlanta Falcons have also participated in international games, with three regular-season appearances in London: against the Detroit Lions in 2014, the New York Jets in 2021, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. atlantafalcons.com

In the lead-up to the game, the Colts have organized several events to engage fans both in Germany and the United States. In Berlin, the Colts FanZone at Das Center has been active from November 2 to 9, featuring appearances by mascot "Blue," Colts Cheerleaders, and Colts Legends, along with giveaways, football skills challenges, and live entertainment. In Indianapolis, fans can attend a watch party at The Rathskeller, featuring big-screen TVs, live entertainment, and German food and beer specials. colts.com

For fans unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on NFL Network. colts.com

The NFL's decision to play in Berlin reflects the growing popularity of American football in Germany, where nearly 20 million fans follow the sport. This game is part of a broader strategy to engage international audiences and expand the league's global footprint. nfl.com

As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, today's game in Berlin stands as a testament to the league's commitment to bringing American football to a global audience. The historic Olympiastadion provides a fitting backdrop for this milestone event, celebrating both the sport's rich history and its promising future on the international stage.