American Football

[FairwayDodger]

I know there's a few fans on here so here goes.....

We're off to USA in a few weeks and my OH is dragging me to an American football match. Now I love going to live sport, I'm a big fan of real football, but American football has never really done it for me - too many interruptions for a start and pretty dull in general.

Who's been to a match? Will it be as interminable as I fear? What can I expect?

 

[Fader]

Was lucky enough to get tickets to the last NFL game at Wembley and putting my name in the hat for the next lot to.

Atmosphere was electric and seeing the game live was phenominal. I really want to book a trip to the states to go and see a game there to experience it.

If I could pick I'd goto see The Chicago bears or Washington Redskins

Who you going to see, have to say am a a little jealous

 

[Khamelion]

I've never been to a game but would love to one day. I have played the game in my younger days, fully kitted, helmet the full works. It is a great game, nothing better than sacking the QB and hearing the crunch as he hits the ground, really satisfying possibly a little sadistic but hey ho he knew what he was getting into.

As for watching, if you don't know the game or rules then I imagine you will find it all a little tedious, with all the stop starts, but the game aside there will be plenty of other things going on that will keep you occupied, people watching, cheer leaders, mascots, the atmosphere, loads of photo oppurtunities.

Which game is it you're going to see?

 

[FairwayDodger]

Going to see the Denver Broncos.... I've forgotten who they're playing such is my interest level!

 

[Khamelion]

If I could pick I'd goto see The Chicago bears or Washington Redskins

Who you going to see, have to say am a a little jealous

Yeah a little jealous myself, there are three of us who watch the NFL, one supports the Bengals, one the Redskins and myself is a Dolphins fan

 

[FairwayDodger]

IAs for watching, if you don't know the game or rules then I imagine you will find it all a little tedious, with all the stop starts, but the game aside there will be plenty of other things going on that will keep you occupied, people watching, cheer leaders, mascots, the atmosphere, loads of photo oppurtunities.

No, I know the rules and understand the game. My dad used to be right into it back when channel 4 showed it so I've watched quite a few games and I did watch the last super bowl. I just think its great for TV - lots of opportunity to do stuff in between "plays" - but have always thought being at a match would seem longer than a week in the jail.....

 

[Fader]

I got really into watching it as a kid when it used to be on late on a sunday night on Channel 4 and John Madden used to host it.

They mainly used to show teams like Redskins, Bears, Cowboys, Dolphins and the 49ers.

So since then followed it almost like a religion. I love the way the Bears play so tend to follow them in the main, but a real soft spot for Redskins no idea why though, maybe because they were first team I saw play a few times on C4.

Try to follow the games on Sky as much as I can through regular season, but once it gets to play-offs I don't miss a game and always booked the day off after Super bowl sunday as I stay up all night watching it from start to finish.

Its getting big over hear now with the BAFL getting better supported, there's a team not far from me currently recruiting players for the new season (maidstone pumas) been sorely tempted to go along for their draft.

Doesn't Vernon (long legs) Kaye play in the BAFL for Kent Exiles!

 

[Khamelion]

I'd love to play again, but I'm a bit old now, my knees wouldn't take the punishment and know after wrecking the ligaments in both my ankles through getting hit to many times when playing they defo wouldn't stand up to what would be required.

 

[gregbwfc]

First of all, you'll love the day.
Been lucky enough to see a couple of games (including a superbowl) and it's great entertainment.
I think it's actually a pretty hard game to follow live because a lot of the action takes place "off the ball" so to speak.
And the ball is the wrong colour !!
Just watch the QB closely and you'll be fine,(maybe watch the cheerleaders even closer!).

Well done on getting tickets for a Broncos game.
Tried when in Denver a few years ago and no chance.

Enjoy.

 

[Mattyboy]

Ive been following it on the tele from about 84 when Channel 4 showed it. Been to the (now defunct) Texas Stadium. Saw Dallas at Wembley. Lynn Elliott was the kicker who could hit a cows backside with a banjo bless him.

Also would have fancied a game in my yourger days. Would have been a runnning back IMO - nothing like some big bloke chasing you to encourage you to run a bit faster!

Enjoy the trip - it will be a blast and the game will be a great experience. :thup:

 

[ScienceBoy]

While in Canada I went to see the Blue Jays play baseball, I was expecting American sport to be pretty dull live as watching can be frustrating at times (but worth it for the action). I was suprised that I really enjoyed myself! It was a great day out and I got a nice suntan too!

American stadium food is very different to the pie and chips van at Aldershot FC home games...

 

[Paul_Stewart]

Just enjoy the atmosphere and the sporting excellence. You do not need to get in to the nuances and subtleties of the game on a first visit. Anyone sitting with you can explain the basics of down and distance.

Vernon Kay plays for the London Blitz and is a real fan of the game. I spent a lot of time with him at the Bucs' training camp last October before the Wembley game and he knows his stuff. Same with Martin Johnson who is a huge Niners fan.

 

[Val]

Be aware FD, the game can take yonks. I watched the Seahawks v Packers match the other week whilst in New York and it last something like 3 and half hours.

 

[louise_a]

you could probably get 18 holes in while the game takes place.