For the first time in National Football League (NFL) history, two teams will face off in the southern hemisphere. The game will be played in Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 6.
The trailblazing event will be between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers. The NFL is changing up the season by not only playing in Brazil but having a game on a Friday night for the season opener, something the NFL hasn’t done in a regular season in over 50 years, with the last one being a clash between the Rams and the Cardinals in 1970.
League Commissioner, Roger Goodell, says he foresees an exciting matchup and an opportunity to grow the game of football abroad.
“This landmark first international game in South America demonstrates the ongoing expansion of our global footprint,” Goodell said in a press release in February 2024. “Playing on Friday night of Week 1 is a unique way to highlight our international growth and ambitions.”
Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles chairman and chief executive officer, said the team is honored to be chosen in the historic game, as the Eagles will be the home team in this contest.
“With the global growth of our sport being a top priority to our league, we embrace the opportunity to grow our fanbase around the world and bring Eagles football to the 38 million sports fans in Brazil,” Lurie said. “As one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations, Brazil is an international melting pot, and we look forward to experiencing its warm, vibrant, and welcoming environment later this year.”
São Paulo’s Mayor, Ricardo Nunes, also expressed his gratitude for the NFL choosing his city to host the game.
“The league’s decision to play the game in the first week of the NFL 2024 season is a true testament to their confidence in our work as host city,” Nunes said. “Having this historic spectacle on the eve of Independence Day and driving a great economic impact and job creation for São Paulo, will spotlight our city as a globally relevant destination for the world’s most exciting sport and entertainment events.”
Although the game is sure to garner tons of attention some Eagles fans are disappointed that their team will be losing a home game for the 2024 season.
“First off I’m a little mad that it’s a home game for the Eagles since they’ll miss a chance playing a game at the (Lincoln Financial Field),” Eagles Fan Robert Ponce said.
Another interesting note is that the Eagles and potentially the Packers may face a dilemma regarding their uniform selection. Both teams feature green, in different shades, prominently on their uniforms. The stadium, Corinthians Arena, home to the Brazilian soccer club Corinthians, has an informal ban on green, as the Corinthians arch-rival, Palmeiras, also features green in their uniforms. As for the players, fans believe they will enjoy their trip abroad.
“I think they’re excited, especially since it’s at the beginning of the season. Most players hate playing overseas during the season because it’s mentally and physically draining. Overall, I think the game will be received well for all parties, but more for the Packers since it seems like Brazil has a very large fan base that roots for the Packers,” Ponce said.
As fans anxiously await kickoff, Eagles and Packers fans can revel in the fact that they are not only a part of NFL history but sports history.
Jorge Guajardo is a staff reporter and can be reached at [email protected].
