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The NFL has announced the schedule of their 2016 UK International series. The schedule features 3 games, a new stadium and at least 3 new teams to the international circuit.
The 2016 UK International Series schedule:
|
Week |
Date |
Visiting Team |
Home Team |
Site |
|
4 |
Sunday, October 2 |
Wembley Stadium |
||
|
7 |
Sunday, October 23 |
NFC East Opponent |
Twickenham Stadium |
|
|
8 |
Sunday, October 30 |
Wembley Stadium |
As a part of the ever expanding NFL brand, the league has made a push to play more games across the pond. Normally played by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the league has added a few more teams this upcoming season in a hope to get even more UK fans interested in the sport.
The passion our UK fans have shown for the NFL is overwhelming," said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. "We are very appreciative of the strong and growing fan support, not only for the games, but for all of the related NFL events we host in the UK throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming new fans to their first NFL game in 2016 and welcoming back thousands of others that are helping our sport grow to new levels of popularity in London and beyond.
The Ravens have made it known that they would love the chance to play overseas, but with the only caveat being that they wouldn't want to give up a home game in order to do so. With one of the best home records over the years, it makes sense strategically and also financially given that M&T Bank Stadium is regularly sold out. Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti himself mentioned the desire to play in the UK earlier this year.
I would absolutely love going to London. I think it would be great. Hopefully it would be the time of year that we could get a lot of fans over there, whether it be near Christmas or near Thanksgiving, or September when the weather is still beautiful, even in the U.K.
Bisciotti even projected that the Ravens have a 75 to 80 percent chance that it happens within the next four seasons. Though given the Ravens record this season, currently sitting at 3-7 and without their franchise quarterback, it can be easy to see why the NFL might be hesitant to send the Ravens over there for one of only a couple games per year. Maybe with the Ravens resurgence in 2016, they will get the nod in 2017.