The National Football League is making global headlines again, unveiling its largest-ever slate of international games. With seven contests scheduled outside the United States, the 2024 season promises to be a landmark in the league’s ongoing efforts to grow football’s global fanbase. The Minnesota Vikings are at the heart of this historic schedule, set to play back-to-back games in Dublin, Ireland, and London, England. For Orlando football fans, these games aren’t just a reason to tune in early—they’re also an opportunity to see how the NFL’s international expansion might shape the future of the sport here at home.
Vikings Make History With Consecutive International Games
The Minnesota Vikings are about to embark on a journey unlike any in NFL history. For the first time, a team will play consecutive regular-season games abroad: first at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, then the following week at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This bold scheduling move is more than just a logistical challenge—it’s a signal of the NFL’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Europe.
For Orlando fans, this means two weekends of early-morning football viewing parties, with local bars and sports venues likely to open their doors for breakfast and game-time action. This could boost business for local establishments and foster a sense of international camaraderie among Central Florida’s diverse NFL fan community.
Why the NFL Is Betting Big on Europe
The NFL’s decision to schedule a record seven games abroad in 2024 comes at a time when international interest in American football is at an all-time high. Dublin and London are just the latest cities to host these events, following successful games in cities like Munich and Mexico City in recent years.
For Orlando, which regularly welcomes millions of international tourists, the NFL’s growing European presence echoes our city’s own global connections. As more fans in Europe and elsewhere embrace the NFL, Orlando stands to benefit—whether that’s through increased tourism during the Super Bowl or the potential for future international games in the Sunshine State.
How International Games Impact the NFL Season
Playing games overseas presents unique challenges for teams, from long flights and time zone changes to unfamiliar stadiums and crowds. The Vikings will need to adjust quickly to back-to-back games overseas, testing their endurance and adaptability. These games count toward the regular-season standings, so there’s a lot at stake.
For Orlando-based fans, these international matchups add excitement and variety to the NFL calendar. They’re a reminder that football is no longer just an American pastime—it’s a global event that can bring people together across continents. With the NFL’s increased international exposure, Orlando could see more international visitors planning trips around the football season, especially as the city continues to host major sporting events and conventions.
What This Means for Orlando’s Football Future
While Orlando doesn’t currently have an NFL franchise, the city has a rich football culture—from hosting college bowl games to supporting the UCF Knights. The success of the NFL’s international series could eventually lead to more global events in Orlando, whether that’s preseason games, fan festivals, or even a future regular-season contest.
Local businesses, tourism officials, and fans should all keep an eye on how these international games are received. The NFL’s willingness to experiment with new markets and formats could open doors for Orlando to play a bigger role in the league’s future plans. As the world gets smaller and football’s footprint gets bigger, Orlando’s status as an international destination only strengthens its case for hosting more marquee football events.
Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Game
The NFL’s record-breaking international schedule is about more than just touchdowns and tackles—it’s a sign of the sport’s growing appeal and a chance for fans in Orlando and around the world to come together. Whether you’re cheering for the Vikings, another team, or just love the spectacle of football on a global stage, these games are a must-watch.
So mark your calendars for those early kickoffs and get ready to join the worldwide football party. And who knows? Maybe one day, Orlando will be on the international schedule, welcoming fans from around the globe to our own backyard.
What do you think about the NFL’s international expansion? Are you planning to watch the Vikings’ historic back-to-back games in Dublin and London? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
