Ten Tips For a Great NFL International Series

This week is the highlight of the sporting year for thousands of sports fans in the UK.  Given that we've had the Olympics, Paralympics, European Championships and Ryder Cup this year, that's a pretty bold claim.  But for the hoards of NFL fans in this country the International Series at Wembley is what they look forward to all year.
The International Series is so much more than a game of football, it's a fantastic day out, a chance to meet fellow fans and is supplemented by plenty of other great events like the Tailgate party and the Fan Rally.  I've been to 3 previous IS games and have gradually learnt how to make the most of my time at the NFL, so here's my Top Ten Tips to ensure you have a great day out at the 2012 International Series:

1.  Get There Early!
The game doesn't start until 5pm, but try to get to Wembley late morning. This ensures you've got as much time as possible to enjoy the Tailgates, the bars , the food outlets and to just generally soak up the superb pre match atmosphere.  It also gives you the best chance of beating the crowds at the official Tailgate and getting a decent chance to grab some merchandise without having to queue for ages.

2.  Try to Arrive at Wembley Park
Wembley has it's fair share of critics.  Yes, it was absurdly expensive, massively delayed and is situated in one of the less salubrious areas of London.  But, as you emerge from the bowels of Wembley Park tube station, you cannot fail to be impressed by the grandeur of the stadium. The arch in particular is a magnificent site.  What's more, you are looking at it with Wembley Way in the foreground. Well worth spending a few minutes for a photo sessions.

3. Have a Stroll Down Wembley Way
Please note - This is to be done pre match!  The 500 yards or so from Wembley Park to the Stadium is one of the most famous pedestrianised roads in the country (Phrases you never read in an NFL blog No1!) and is great to get the metaphorical juices flowing.  You'll encounter plenty of other fans, as well as an assortment of colourful characters (i.e. crooks) pedalling some knock off merchandise.  So, if you fancy wearing a "New Egnland Patroits" scarf or a "St Louis Rams" hat, this is the place to be.

4. Visit the Great British Tailgate Party
In truth, I'm not a massive fan of the official Tailgate organised by the NFL.  2008 was fun with the Mardi Gras, but the other occasions have been pretty dull.  Lots of overpriced merchandise and food, plus massive queues and some variable entertainment.  Last season, we discovered the GBTP at the Green Man pub near the stadium and had a great time on the Sunday afternoon.  Wembley isn't blessed with great pubs, it's not even blessed with average ones, but the Green Man turns into an NFL stronghold once a year.  The pub has a large beer garden that is home to a fair sized marquee with plenty of merchandise and food stalls (including a lovely spit roast (Phrases you never read in an NFL blog No2).  Plus, you'll be surrounded by hoards of friendly NFL fans, and if round ball football is your thing you can watch the afternoons Premier League action.  This was particularly good fun last year thanks to Man Utd 1 Man City 6!
The pub is only a 5-10 minute walk from the stadium and is open post match until 1am.

5.  Try to catch the Pre Match Entertainment
Even if the Prematch band aren't your thing  - and Train certainly aren't my thing! - it's well worth getting into the ground at least 30 minutes before kick off.  The NFL knows how to put on a show and the fireworks, dancing and general visual extravaganza are another great photo opportunity.  It's not exactly Danny Boyle and won't have you marvelling at the subtlety, but it certainly looks impressive!

6. Support the Rams
Probably best for Patriots fans to bypass this section!
If you support one of the other 31 franchises then I'd urge you to help make the occasion feel like a Rams home game.  There are usually flags provided on every seat, plus the obligatory PA propaganda.  They will be the underdogs, and it'll create a fantastic atmosphere if we all get behind them.  Plus, nobody likes the Patriots do they?  Also, a fervent "home" atmosphere will send a great message to other franchises and encourage them to want to play over here.

7. Don't start/join in with a Mexican Wave
In the unlikely event I get invited onto Room 101, I'll be sending the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, the Stereophonics and Swindon to the Orwellian nightmare.  I'd also be condemning the Mexican Wave and anyone who starts one.  For a start, it gives the impression that the game is dull and people are bored.  That may well be the case, but try and encourage the players rather than demonstrate how bored you are.  Even booing at least indicates you're watching!
It's also really irritating when everyone in front of you stands up every 30 seconds. Usually accompanied by feet stomping and a "whoooh" that sounds like you're at a boy band gig (So I'm told!).  Boycott the Wave!

8.  Don't Bother with the Food and Drink in the Stadium
Unless of course, you're a fan of microwave pizza slices and flat Carlsberg.  All at 2035 prices!  Luckily, there are more than enough food and drink options outside of the stadium for this not to be a problem.

9.  Stay til the End!
The Patriots will be favourites but in the last 2 weeks you've thrown away 10 point leads in the 4th Quarter.  Against the Seahawks, it lead to an inglorious defeat, but against the Jets it ended in an Overtime victory.  This isn't the Patriots we've come to know over the years and they are showing plenty of signs of vulnerability this season.
The Rams are a work in progress, but there are clear sign of progress. Finnegan and Jenkins are an excellent CB tandem, Jackson and Richardson give them a solid ground game and Sam Bradford is showing flashes of developing into a bonafide NFL QB.  St Louis needs a signature win to rubber stamp their improvement, and Wembley would be a great place to do it.

10.  Stick Around After the Game
If nothing else, it means you avoid the misery of Wembley Way!  If you're on a high post match, then standing around for an hour in the cold, whilst moving at a snails pace is a sure fire way of getting you back down to Earth.  In previous years, I've been part of this misery, and followed it up with a midnight train ride back to Birmingham.  This year we're opting for a few post match drinks before getting a taxi to our hotel. It means we can watch the Cowboys-Giants game, discuss the Wembley game and chat to even more NFL fans.  All of which sounds far more preferable to being herded around like cattle and will make an excellent end to a fantastic day.



There you have it, it's just what I'd recommend for a great day out, it's a once a year event (Although twice next year!) so make the most of it and if you see a man in an Eagles t-shirt in Block 509 or at the Green Man, come and say hello.  Just don't ask me to join in with the Mexican Wave!