In the continued efforts of SB Nation to keep their doors open, they have worked out a deal with Captain Morgan where seven of our NFL blogs have been asked to put together some posts about tailgating. For those wondering why I included a photo of Marissa Miller throwing a football, it's interconnected with this deal. After the jump I've posted some video from Captain Morgan featuring Miller. She also is apparently a big 49ers fan and is here in London helping to promote the game. And for the majority who really don't care about why the picture is there, just that it is, I'm with you 100%.
In light of my trip to London I'm expecting some intriguing opportunities when it comes to tailgating. On Sunday before the 49ers-Broncos matchup the NFL has set up an official tailgate for fans in attendance. Apparently in the past you had to apply for some kind of ticket separate of your game ticket, but this year anybody with a ticket is allowed in.
This year's event will combine the opportunity to mix with thousands of fellow NFL fans with a live interactive show that will include appearances from former 49ers stars, cheerleaders and live music acts. This year's event will combine the opportunity to mix with thousands of fellow NFL fans with a live interactive show that will include appearances from former 49ers stars, cheerleaders and live music acts.
I'm actually quite curious to see how tailgating works over here in England. Since this is an official NFL setup I imagine it won't be wildly different from what we see in the US. When I was in college in Washington, DC the Redskins were on Monday Night Football one week and there was a huge set-up that Saturday on the National Mall. They had various games and activities for people to check out, and actually also had some flag football games taking place. I wouldn't be surprised if this tailgate is somewhat similar. And shockingly enough, there will probably be a ton of NFL merchandise for sale.
However, I'm also attending an Arsenal match tomorrow at Emirates Stadium (on the north side of London). The friend I'm staying with has season tickets and asked if I wanted to come to the game with him. Arsenal is playing West Ham in a London Derby match, which is basically what they call matches between various teams within London. I believe we're hitting up an Arsenal pub before the game, but I'm also curious to see if they have any sort of tailgating. If any of our European readers has any thoughts on the topic I'd love to hear it.
I'm actually normally not a huge tailgater when it comes to sports. I think part of that is because I generally use public transportation to get everywhere, which isn't exactly conducive to tailgating. How many folks here get in on tailgating? For those that also use public transportation, do you find ways to tailgate anyways minus an actual tailgate?