The Broncos are headed to London.
The NFL and the team announced Friday that the Broncos will play the San Francisco 49ers at London’s Wembley Stadium on Oct. 31.
It will be a home game for the 49ers, replacing a game between the two teams that would have been played in San Francisco. The London game will not affect the Broncos normal home schedule.
The Halloween game, at Wembley Stadium, kicks off at 11 a.m. mountain time (5 p.m. in London). The game will air on CBS.
It will mark the first time in more than 50 years that the Broncos will play a regular season game outside of the United States. The team has previously played in seven exhibition games in foreign countries, including Mexico, Australia, Japan, Spain and Germany.
“It’s a wonderful, historic opportunity for our franchise and will be an unforgettable experience for our players, coaches and fans,” team owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement released by the team. “I’m excited for the game in London and am thrilled that the Broncos will be part of the NFL’s continued international growth.”
London has played host to a regular season game each season since 2007, with sell-out crowds each time. The 2009 game featured the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Playing in London in front of so many passionate and new football fans is a privilege and will be a great experience for our team,” coach Josh McDaniels said in a statement. “I’m excited for the opportunity, and I am certain that our players and coaches will share my enthusiasm.”
Broncos’ history in international games:
Date … Site … Opponent … Result … Attendance
Aug. 9, 1987 … London … L.A. Rams … L, 28-27 … 72,786
Aug. 5, 1990 … Tokyo … Seattle … W, 10-7 … 48,827
Aug. 15, 1992 … Berlin … Miami … L, 31-27 … 60,813
July 31, 1994 … Barcelona … L.A. Raiders … L, 25-22 … 37,406
Aug. 6, 1995 … Tokyo … San Francisco … W, 24-10 … 48,526
Aug. 4, 1997 … Mexico City … Miami … L, 38-19 … 104,629
Aug. 8, 1999 … Sydney … San Diego … W, 20-17 … 73,811
Lindsay Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com
