Sir Purr
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- Mar 16, 2019
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CHARLOTTE – The Panthers are headed across the pond for the first time in franchise history this week to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While NFL games in London may not be anything new, this year’s series is adding a little twist, marking the first season that teams will play in the new stadium. The Raiders defeated the Bears in London last week, and now the stage is set for the Panthers and Bucs to face off this Sunday.
The state-of-the-art stadium just opened in April and boasts an impressive set up that gives it the ability to host NFL games and Premier League soccer matches in the same day.
So, whether you’re making the trip to London or cheering on the Panthers from the comfort of your couch, here’s what you need to know about Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Another sellout crowd
When the Panthers kick off on Sunday, it’ll be in the biggest Club soccer stadium London has to offer, holding a capacity of 62,214. For comparison, Bank of America Stadium seats 75,412.
If last week’s Raiders-Bears matchup is any indicator of what’s to come, then the Panthers are in for another packed house.
Football fans turned up early and ready to go last Sunday. Typical pregame activities for the stadium’s soccer matches are pretty laid back, but fans bucked tradition for some NFL football, partaking in three hours of raucous tailgating before kickoff.
That doesn’t seem like it will change any time soon, at least not this season, as all four NFL London games have sold out.
A field custom-made for NFL football
Previously, NFL games in London have been played at Wembley Stadium and Twickenham Stadium, two venues where the natural grass soccer pitch had to be converted to host a football game.
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they have the best of both worlds. Underneath the soccer pitch lies a series of motors and rails, and beneath that, an NFL-quality synthetic turf field. In just 25 minutes, the soccer field can be rolled away to allow the NFL to take center stage.
In addition to the dual fields, the stadium is equipped with designated home and away NFL locker rooms, press conference rooms and a broadcast studio.
The stadium’s level of commitment to hosting NFL games drew praise from both fans and media outlets in London, with many arguing that it helped provide the first “real” NFL experience in the city.
“We have created a new landmark in London, one that is truly global, and one that will stage the world’s two most popular sports, Premier League football and NFL, along with many other sports and world-class entertainment,” said Daniel Levy, the chairman of Tottenham Hotspur. “This partnership with the NFL has enabled us to push the boundaries of stadium design. It is something that has never been done before anywhere in the world.
What’s on the menu?
For the fans heading to London, there’s no need to fret over strange dishes on game day.
The stadium’s 65 food and drink outlets switch things up when the NFL comes to town, offering a menu with an American twist, like gourmet burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and pizza. And don’t forget to grab a drink at one of the three feature bars to help wash things downs.
But if those aren’t enough, why not head to the longest bar in Europe? The Goal Line Bar in the south end zone stretches 65 meters, running parallel with the entire goal line.
Oh, and just to make sure you’re drinking the good stuff, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the first soccer stadium in the world to house its own microbrewery, the source of all craft beer served throughout the stadium.