Union Jack Classic: Kansas vs Arizona State at Wembley
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American Football in London: A New Era
The NFL has been playing in London since 2007, but now a different kind of American football is coming to the UK. American college football games have been held abroad for years, from Cuba to Tanzania, but this Saturday, Wembley will host just its second such game.
About 2,500 fans witnessed the first at Crystal Palace in 1988, while 60,000 are expected for the Union Jack Classic (UJC) between Kansas and Arizona State (17:00 BST).
The UJC, spearheaded by CEO Brian Dubiski, was born from a casual conversation over beers between Dubiski and a former NFL executive who had worked in London. They wondered why no one had brought college football back to England, especially since Wembley hosted its first NFL game in 2007. After careful planning, they secured a date at Wembley Stadium.
Two teams from the Big 12 Conference committed to the trip: Kansas, with one of the oldest college football programs dating back to 1890, aims to expand its global brand, while Arizona State is opening a London campus this month, providing their players with an unforgettable cultural experience.
What makes college football unique?
Virtually all NFL players pass through the US college system, and in many areas of America, college football enjoys greater popularity than the NFL. College games often draw larger crowds—eight of the world's ten biggest stadiums are for college football, each accommodating over 100,000 fans.
The passionate fan bases at college games are often passed down through generations, with multiple family members attending the same school. Kansas player Calvin Clements, for instance, is a fifth-generation Jayhawk. Actor Paul Rudd and comedian Jason Sudeikis (a lifelong Kansas fan) are other notable alumni.
Tailgate Parties and Tribalism
Both NFL and college football games feature tailgate parties, but college events have an added element of tribalism, mirroring European football fanbases. This spirit is expected to be on full display at Wembley this Saturday.
Actor Jason Sudeikis might even make an appearance!