LONDON — The St. Louis Rams took the first step to becoming Britain’s “home” team Friday, agreeing to play a regular-season NFL game in London in each of the next three seasons.
And first up are the New England Patriots, who are two wins from another Super Bowl title.
The Rams and Patriots play at Wembley on Oct. 28, about two months after the closing ceremony of the London Olympics. That will be followed by games at Wembley against undetermined opponents in 2013 and 2014.
The Rams are owned by Stan Kroenke, who also owns the Nuggets, Avalanche, Rapids and is the majority shareholder in the English soccer club Arsenal. The Rams will give up home games in St. Louis for the three seasons they are in London.
“We’ve seen firsthand the increased popularity of the NFL, not only in London but throughout Europe,” Kroenke said. “To play a role in that growth over the next three years will be incredible and is a testament to the many good things happening not only in the NFL but also in the St. Louis Rams’ organization.”
This year’s contest will be the sixth regular-season game at Wembley. But despite plans to bring a second game to Britain starting next season, the NFL said the Rams-Patriots date would be the only one in 2012.
“This year is a very competitive year for sport in the UK, especially with the Olympics in London,” NFLUK managing director Alistair Kirkwood said. “Also, with the Rams having made an unprecedented commitment to playing in the UK for the next three years, we wanted to focus on them as our ‘home’ team without another game taking place.”
The Broncos have played one regular-season game in London, losing 24-16 to the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 31, 2010.
The Associated Press
