AMERICAN football games and German beer are coming to the UK this October.
NFL London Games
Playing Premiership matches in America may be controversial, but the US has no problem exporting its version of football here.
The NFL has been playing games in the UK since 2007 and now schedules a three-game series each October. Here’s a preview of this month’s remaining games.
Jacksonville Jaguars v Chicago Bears
Sunday, October 13, 2.30pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London N17
The Bears return to the new Spurs stadium for the first time since losing there in 2019, when it hosted its first NFL match.
Number one overall pick Caleb Williams has started well, but results have been mixed and they’ve won only ten games in the past two seasons.
The Jaguars have problems too. They lost their first two games of the season and tight end Evan Engram is likely to be missing with a hamstring injury.
Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit could be promoted from the practice squad to the Jaguars active roster.
New England Patriots v Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, October 20, 2.30pm, Wembley Stadium, London
The Jaguars stay in London to take on six-time Super Bowl champs the New England Patriots. The Patriots have started well under Jerod Mayo, with new pick Keion White typifying the coach’s aggressive defensive approach.
Star linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley – ruled out for the season in week 2 – will be difficult to replace. Last time they met, in 2022, the Patriots crushed the Jaguars 50-10.
Oktoberfest
If American football isn’t your thing, but beer is, then you’re in luck. This month it’s Oktoberfest, the annual celebration of Bavarian brewing.
Towns and cities all over the UK will be holding events involving huge steins of beer, loud oompah music, sizzling bratwurst sausages and silly games.
There are plans for big tent events over weekends at Stoke Park in Guildford, Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, Priory Park in Southend, Beverley Racecourse, Central Park in Chelmsford and Central Park in Plymouth.
You’ll find more Bavarian bashes in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens and Manchester’s Platt Fields Park. London sessions will be flowing in Camden, Finsbury Square, Old Billingsgate and Brick Lane.
Cheers to that!
