Our adventure to catch a game in the NFL International Series began bright and early on Sunday morning. We took the Eurostar from Brussels to London—a smooth and efficient start to the trip.

After arriving in the capital, we made a quick dash to the hotel to drop off our luggage, and then we went immediately to Wembley Stadium!

It had been a long time since I was last in London, and I was happy to discover one major convenience: the Oyster card is no longer mandatory. You can now simply tap your credit card or use Apple Pay to pay for the Tube. It made getting around incredibly easy.

Pre-Game Fuel & Merchandise Madness

Arriving at Wembley, we were naturally hungry. Fortunately, there was a small Italian restaurant just before the stadium entrance that still had seats available. We were able to sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal before heading into the massive stadium atmosphere.

After eating, we headed straight for The DUUVAL, which was packed with merchandise from all the NFL teams. Both kids were planning to buy a jersey!

The line to get in was quite long, and for a moment, I feared we might miss the start of the game! But it was worth the wait for the kids:

Our eldest picked up a jersey for the Vikings.

Our youngest, after some deliberation, chose to get all 32 NFL helmets in miniature format—a fantastic collector’s item!

I didn't buy anything in the store itself, but once we were inside the stadium, I managed to snag a Legacy Jersey for Fred Taylor. A great souvenir for myself!

Game Day Entrance & The 'Level 2 West' Perk

I had expected long queues to enter Wembley, but they were surprisingly quick! This might be because our seats were in Level 2 West, which is part of Wembley's Club Level. This premium tier provides better access, often including dedicated entrances and superior amenities.

I certainly didn't mind that we didn't have to climb any stairs—we had escalators the whole way up! It’s the little luxuries that make a huge difference on game day.

A highlight of our entrance experience was an interaction with one of the stewards. He asked a brilliant question: "Do you support the sheeps or the kittens?" referring to the teams playing. It was a classic piece of friendly British banter, though I immediately regretted answering "kittens!"

A Unique Atmosphere of Brotherhood

The thing that really stood out, both around Wembley and inside the stadium, was the atmosphere among the fans. Jerseys from all 32 NFL teams were visible everywhere, sitting right next to each other! There was none of the intense rivalry you see in regular football (soccer), where such a mix of team colors sitting side-by-side would be unthinkable. It was a wonderful feeling of shared enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

From Our Premium View: A Live Look at the Game

From our spot in Level 2, we had a beautiful view of the field.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the greatest game. The Jaguars were simply nowhere to be seen, and while the Rams weren't particularly sharp either, they were significantly better than the Jags. I even doubt if the Rams managed two first downs in a row during the first two quarters!

Despite the lackluster performance on the field, watching live offered a completely different perspective than television. You get a much better view of the players' running lines, the underlying tactics, and the overall flow. It made me understand much better why teams use spotters in the stands.

We also had to look something up: there was a man running along the sideline with long fluorescent orange gloves. This person is the TV Timeout Coordinator, often called the "TV man." The bright gloves are specifically used to signal to the referee and the stadium crew that the broadcast is going to or coming back from a commercial break. This ensures the game stops and starts precisely in line with the commercial windows, keeping the television schedule on track.

Capturing the Moment (Minimally)

Unlike many people today, I try to take as few photos as possible. The human brain can store so much more than a camera or phone. Taking just a couple of photos as a reminder is enough; the rest will come from human memory. It's about being present and truly experiencing the moment.

The Post-Game Experience: Flawless Crowd Control

With over 86,000 spectators, I had anticipated a complete nightmare after the final whistle, especially since nearly everyone relies on the Tube to leave. However, the crowd control was incredibly smooth!

We only had to wait occasionally when a steward held up the 'Hold' sign, allowing small, manageable groups to enter the station. Crucially, this was all done without any fuss, pushing, or complaining. This measured approach made navigating the Metro station surprisingly pleasant and efficient.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Commerce

Our friends often ask why the NFL plays games in Europe, viewing it as "pure commerce"—similar to why clubs like Barcelona might play a league game in Miami. And while the business side is certainly there (selling tickets, merch, and media rights), our experience showed it’s about more than just a quick cash grab. The NFL is investing in a global fanbase with the long-term goal of permanent expansion.

It was an unforgettable combination of a seamless European trip and a world-class sporting spectacle. And while the experience in London was fantastic, if we attend another European Series game—which is not unthinkable—it will most likely be a game in Spain. England and the rain... well, you just can't escape that!

Cheers,
Peter