The NFL has been hosting regular season games in London since 2007 as part of an effort to grow the sport’s international fanbase. With large expat populations from the US and Canada, as well as growing interest in American football in the UK, London has proven to be an excellent location for the NFL’s international games. For the 2023 season, the NFL will host a total of 5 games in London. This provides a great opportunity for fans looking to see a live NFL game without having to travel all the way to the US. However, scoring tickets to the London games can be a challenge. Here are some tips on the best way to get your hands on tickets to see an NFL game in London.
Plan ahead
As the NFL has prioritized growth in the UK market, demand for tickets has gone up each year. While tickets used to be fairly easy to find, especially closer to the actual game dates, now you really need to plan ahead if you want the best chance at getting tickets. Try to make it a priority for the year and start thinking about tickets as soon as the schedule is announced in the spring. Join fan forums and mailing lists so you’ll be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Sign up for presales, which give early access to a limited number of tickets before the general public sale.
Know the schedule
The dates and matchups for the London games can vary from year to year. In 2023, here is the London schedule:
Date | Matchup |
October 1 | Vikings vs. Saints |
October 22 | Giants vs. Packers |
October 29 | Broncos vs. Jaguars |
November 5 | Seahawks vs. Buccaneers |
November 12 | 49ers vs. Cardinals |
As you can see, the schedule features 5 games this year, with competitive and exciting matchups between teams like the Packers, Buccaneers, and 49ers. Once you know the schedule, do some research to find the games that interest you the most. The teams playing will impact ticket demand and pricing.
Understand the Venue
All London games are played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home of the Tottenham Spurs football club. With a capacity of 62,850, it’s an intimate setting compared to massive US stadiums. The smaller capacity makes tickets more scarce. Be sure to understand the stadium layout when buying tickets. The seats are all referred to by section names like “Corner Flags” and “Field Level South Stand” instead of seat numbers. Check seat views online so you know exactly what sightlines you’ll get with your tickets.
Buying Options
Once you’re ready to buy, here are some of the best ways to get London NFL tickets:
Buy from the Official Ticket Exchange
The NFL operates its own ticket exchange at https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/nfl. This is the official primary market and your best option for the widest selection of ticket choices. Prices are set by the NFL without markups. You’ll be able to see all available seats at face value prices. The exchange releases tickets in batches, often starting 4-6 months prior to each game. Check back frequently as more tickets are continuously released over time. Supplies are limited so you need to buy early.
Use a Reseller Site
If the Ticket Exchange sells out or doesn’t have the tickets you want, try a ticket reseller like Stubhub. On reseller sites, fans and season ticket holders can sell extra tickets at a price of their choosing. This provides more options, but also potential markups over face value prices. Be prepared to pay a premium for high demand matchups. Still, resellers may offer tickets even when the Ticket Exchange shows sold out.
Purchase a Travel Package
Many US-based travel companies like PrimeSport and On Location Experiences offer ticket and travel packages for the London games. These can bundle flights, hotel, and a game ticket together at an overall package price. Packages cost more than tickets alone but handle all the planning for you. This option is best if you want a seamless travel experience. Packages often sell out fast so don’t wait too long.
Tips for Saving Money
While London NFL tickets will never be cheap, here are some ways to try and lower costs:
Buy Single Tickets
If you’re going alone or don’t need a big group of seats together, look for listings selling single tickets. These individual seats are often priced lower than pairs or large blocks. You can sometimes get a deal on singles, especially closer to game day as sellers lower prices on tickets they still need to move.
Comparison Shop
Always check prices across multiple sites like the Ticket Exchange, StubHub, and Vivid Seats. One site might be running a promotion or have cheaper listings for the seats you want. Some sites also let you make offers and bid on tickets.
Consider General Admission Standing Tickets
At Tottenham Hotspur stadium, they offer a section called “The South Stand” that provides standing room only tickets with no assigned seats. These are typically the cheapest tickets. You won’t get a seat but you still get to the experience the atmosphere and watch the game live.
Buy Upper Level Corner Tickets
The upper levels at the corners of the end zones tend to be the most affordable areas. You’ll have an elevated view further from the action but these sections are still a good option on a budget. Avoid the “Obstructed View” labeled seats.
Be Wary of Scams
With London NFL tickets scarce and expensive, scams are unfortunately common. Be diligent to avoid losing money or getting fake tickets:
Only Use Reputable Sites
Stick to major sites like Stubhub and Ticketmaster. Never buy from random users on social media or Craigslist.
Review the Seller
On reseller sites, check how long the seller has been active and read recent feedback. Look for sellers with a long history and satisfied reviews.
Beware of Prices That Are Too Good to Be True
Don’t trust bargain prices that are drastically below face value. This is the #1 red flag for a scam.
Pay with a Credit Card
Never pay by bank transfer, Paypal gift, cash app, or other non-refundable means. Pay only with a credit card so you can dispute fraudulent charges.
Verify Your Tickets
Carefully review any tickets you receive to confirm all info is accurate before the event. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has an online system to verify tickets.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to the 2023 London NFL games will require planning ahead, understanding the schedule and venue, comparing all buying options, and being vigilant against scams. With high demand and low supply, you’ll have to put in time and effort for a chance at tickets. But the chance to see American football in iconic London and at Tottenham’s stunning new stadium makes it well worth the effort. Following the tips in this guide will help make the buying process more efficient and successful. So get started early and you’ll be cheering on your team live in London before you know it!