(Oct. 24, 2006) -- The NFL will stage up to two international
regular-season games per season beginning in 2007, further demonstrating
the league's commitment to competing in a global sports marketplace and
to developing a greater presence beyond the borders of the United States.
NFL club owners approved a resolution at a league meeting in New Orleans
today that enables the league office to schedule up to two
regular-season games per season outside the United States beginning in
2007 and continuing through at least the 2011 campaign.
"This step comes in response to the tremendous and growing interest in
the NFL around the world," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The
owners believe that hosting regular-season games outside the United
States on a regular basis is in the best interests of the league and
will help to increase the fan base, build awareness of the NFL and grow
the sport worldwide."
In 2005, the NFL staged its first-ever regular-season game outside the
United States as the Arizona Cardinals hosted the San Francisco 49ers in
Mexico City. A crowd of 103,467 flocked to Azteca Stadium -- the largest
crowd for a regular-season game in NFL history.
The NFL has engaged in almost 20 years of international activity,
including the preseason American Bowl series, the NFL Europe League,
grass roots programs and customized television programming.
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