The NFL International games in London, Munich, and São Paolo have given fans a chance to witness American football on a global stage. It allows them to immerse themselves in different cultures and experience new cities. Although the NFL has recently begun their global campaign, traveling for international sporting events is by no means foreign. While going abroad is exciting, safe travels are more important. Here’s how to ensure safety when traveling for international sporting events:

1) Research, Plan, and Prepare Before 

The first step before traveling is to do thorough research, planning, and preparation. An itinerary for travel is incomplete without safety considerations. Some safety considerations before traveling internationally for a sporting event are:

  • Review online videos and blogs from locals, fans, and tourists that have previously visited 
  • Stay in safe areas, avoid unsafe areas.
  • Be alert of pickpockets and scammers around the stadium
  • Stay in hotels and/or housing accommodations in nearby safer areas
  • Know the local police’s contact 
  • Limit bringing valuable items
  • Use trusted transportation 
  • Know the bag and item policy for that specific venue

Proper planning prevents poor experiences and unexpected problems that could arise. 

2) Be Aware of Recent Events

Earlier in the season, there were many incidents and ongoing concerns regarding overall safety for fans and players before the Eagles vs. Packers game. 

Although the remaining NFL international games are both in different countries, being aware of recent events and safety in and around the London and Munich area can provide further caution and limit the likelihood of future incidents.

3) Gameday Event Safety

Make sure to be mindful of the venue security checks and protocols, emergency exits, guest services, and medical emergency locations. Having pictures, references, or a guide map of these locations and information on your phone is very beneficial and convenient. If you are injured at a sporting event and having trouble finding medical assistance, contact a personal injury lawyer.

Staying hydrated (especially during warmer weather) and limiting alcohol intake can prevent any bodily dangers, such as heat-exposure or heat-related injuries, and avoids physical and verbal abuse between other event-goers.

Being knowledgeable of bag and item policies are essential to maintaining safety. Getting denied entry due to an oversized bag or a prohibited item can cause potential issues. These issues can be walking back to the hotel or an area to put away the bag or prohibited item and potentially running into danger along the way, getting lost outside the stadium and not knowing where to go. 

If you have never been to the stadium, arrive early and walk around to familiarize yourself with the venue. This decreases the chance of you or anyone you are with from being lost for long periods of time. Creating a meeting point inside the stadium is another way to prevent being lost. You never know if your mobile phone device could have technical issues, especially internationally.

If you want to enjoy any pre-game festivities outside the venue and not arrive early, another tip is to schedule a stadium tour days before the sporting event takes place. This will make you even more familiar and comfortable with the venue. Stadium tour guides can answer any questions you may have about safety precautions. You more than likely have to pay extra for a stadium tour, but the price of familiarity is greater than the cost of uncertainty.

4) Post Event Safety

There’s another game to be played after the sporting match ends, and it’s the game of safety. Once the game ends, here are several things you should do:

  • Check to see if you have all of your personal belongings before leaving the stadium.
  • Walk in large groups. This prevents an attacker from targeting one person, as they are less likely to attack a group. 
  • Avoid confrontation from belligerent fans. 
  • Know where you are in the stadium. Certain exit points can lead you to different locations, so be aware of the location you exit to.
  • Leaving the stadium during the egress period can get chaotic, if you feel unsafe, please notify any nearby event staff or security.

International NFL Game Information for 2024

For the fans that are unable to travel internationally for these matches, here is the following information for the 2024 NFL International Games:

Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

  • When: September 6th, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET | 6:30 AM PT
  • Where: Corinthians Arena, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Watch: NFL Network | NFL+

New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings

  • When: October 6th, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET | 6:30 AM PT
  • Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
  • Watch: NFL Network | NFL+

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears

  • When: October 13th, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET | 6:30 AM PT
  • Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
  • Watch: NFL Network | NFL+

New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • When: October 20th, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET | 6:30 AM PT
  • Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England
  • Watch: NFL Network | NFL+

New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers

  • When: October 20th, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET | 6:30 AM PT
  • Where: Allianz Arena – Home of FC Bayern Munich, London, England
  • Watch: NFL Network | NFL+

Safety when traveling for international sporting events is very important. Researching and planning ahead for the event before you pack your bags and step foot on the airplane is very crucial. Being aware of recent past events can prevent and lessen the likelihood of future incidents. Game day safety can limit an awful event experience, and maintaining safety after the event can give you a better experience for the rest of your trip. Make sure you follow these tips in order to ensure the best and safest possible travel experience for you and anyone who is attending these sporting matches.