The NFL’s International Series now has a new destination in 2024: São Paulo.
For the first time in NFL history, the league will head south of the equator. Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement on Monday in Las Vegas. Included in his surprise reveal? The designated home team and date.
Home Team for Brazil Game Revealed by NFL
The Philadelphia Eagles will have the honor of being at “home” in Brazil when they head to São Paulo at the Corinthians Arena, the home to Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians. The stadium was the official venue for both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.
In a news release by the league office, Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie reacted to the news.
“The Eagles organization is honored to have been selected to play in the first-ever National Football League game in South America,” Lurie said. “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Goodell helped answer when that contest would take place: a Friday night.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 5, 2024
“This landmark first international game in South America demonstrates the ongoing expansion of our global footprint,” Goodell said. “Playing on Friday night of Week 1 is a unique way to highlight our international growth and ambitions.”
But here’s the other historical aspect of this contest. The game will be played on Friday, Sept. 6 — one day after the league kicks off its season on Thursday night.
Philadelphia’s opponent, along with the kickoff time, will be announced closer to when the 2024 NFL schedule is revealed this spring.
Brazil Representatives React to NFL Coming in 2024
Meanwhile, Brazil had representatives sharing their exuberance of the news of the league making its way to their home.
The mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes, mentioned how the game would be played before Brazil’s independence day.
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“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.”
Also, the president of São Paulo Turismo Gustavo Pires called this moment “an honor.”
“Welcoming the Philadelphia Eagles, such an iconic and popular NFL franchise, to our city is truly an honor,” Pires said. “The passion and dedication of their fanbase will no doubt match the excitement that surrounds the city of São Paulo for this game.”
Brazil becomes the fourth international city for the league’s overseas contests. London, Munich, and Frankfurt will remain as the others.
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