5 International Cities The NFL Should Visit Next
LONDON (CBSDFW.COM) -- The Dallas Cowboys traveled to London on Monday to prepare for a Week 10 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The NFL has clearly targeted the UK as an emerging market for viewers -- and potentially a new franchise -- playing three games at Wembley Stadium this season with plans for three more next season.
But why limit the NFL to London? Is it really the best (or only) location to showcase the league?
Here are 5 other cities that the NFL should consider playing regular season games at in the near future.
1. Mexico City, Mexico
Yes, it's been done before. And it was incredibly successful.
In 2005, the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers played in the first-ever regular season game outside the United States at Estadio Azteca in front of a then-NFL record 103,467 people. (That record has since been broken at AT&T Stadium).
Dallas to Mexico City: 2.5 hours
New York City to Mexico City: Under 5 hours
San Diego to New York City: 5.5 hours
It's the 10th largest city in the world and sits within the Central Time Zone. It's a no brainer.
2. Berlin, Germany
The now defunct NFL Europe once thrived in Germany -- or at least in Germany more than in any other European country.
Sure, the travel is further and the time change more drastic, but we're talking about one hour on both counts when compared to London.
German-born players like Patriots tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who has started 61 games in his NFL career, aren't hurting the league's popularity there.
3. Johannesburg, South Africa
If the NFL really wants to make a global impact, how about playing the first ever NFL game on African soil?
While sports largely divide South Africa along racial boundaries, the NFL could present a clean slate.
If the NFL wants a splash, this is it. We'll let the teams worry about the outrageous flight times.
4. Los Angeles, USA
This is kind of a joke...But is it not a joke that the nation's second largest market doesn't have an NFL team?
Green Bay is the 70th largest market in the U.S. How much money is the NFL missing out on?
5. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the largest city by population in the world -- and it's not even close.
NFL exhibition games have been played there as recently as 2005. 13 games were played there from 1976-2005.
It can be done. It should be done. And if money and exposure are driving the NFL, it will be done.
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