Tottenham confirm deal to host NFL games in new stadium as pictures are released of arena... complete with retractable pitch

  • Tottenham intend to move into new stadium at the start of 2018-19 season and have agreed 10-year partnership
  • Stadium will feature a retractable grass field with artificial surface underneath for NFL games 
  • Chairman Daniel Levy says the club have an opportunity to deliver 'one of the most unique sporting venues'
  • Spurs could become the new host of an NFL London franchise
  • The NFL will return to Wembley for three games at Wembley this autumn
  • Wembley can still play host to NFL games despite Tottenham's deal  

Tottenham have announced a deal with the NFL that will see them host a minimum of two games per season in their new stadium once it opens in the summer of 2018.

The Premier League club's 61,000-seater arena will feature a retractable grass field with an artificial surface underneath that will be used for NFL games.

Both sports will have dedicated facilities as part of the 10-year partnership, while Spurs have released new pictures of how the stadium will look hosting a different kind of event.

Tottenham have released more pictures of their new stadium after confirming a deal to host to NFL games in the future

Tottenham have released more pictures of their new stadium after confirming a deal to host to NFL games in the future

Tottenham intend to build a new stadium of up to 61,000 capacity to open at the start of the 2018-19 season

Tottenham intend to build a new stadium of up to 61,000 capacity to open at the start of the 2018-19 season

Spurs have agreed a 10-year partnership with the NFL to stage at least two games a season at the new ground

Spurs have agreed a 10-year partnership with the NFL to stage at least two games a season at the new ground

A day-time aerial view mock-up of Tottenham's new 61,000-seater stadium from the west

A day-time aerial view mock-up of Tottenham's new 61,000-seater stadium from the west

As Sportsmail's Matt Lawton reported in April, the option of extra-large changing rooms, to accommodate NFL squad sizes that can amount to as many as 70 players at a game, is also being explored by architects.

Tottenham, who will have to relocate - possibly in Milton Keynes - while the stadium is being completed, are set to move in ahead of the 2018-19 season and could be the hosts of the new NFL London franchise.

'We have an opportunity now to deliver one of the most unique sporting and entertainment venues in the world, bringing together the Premier League and the NFL for the first time,' Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said.

'The socio-economic benefits this will bring to the area will be immense and demonstrates our commitment to the regeneration of this priority borough in London. 

Wembley has hosted NFL regular-season matches since the International Series began in 2007

Wembley has hosted NFL regular-season matches since the International Series began in 2007

England's national stadium will also play host to three more NFL matches this autumn and Tottenham's deal is not exclusive

England's national stadium will also play host to three more NFL matches this autumn and Tottenham's deal is not exclusive

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy says the club have an opportunity to deliver 'one of the most unique sporting and entertainment venues'

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy says the club have an opportunity to deliver 'one of the most unique sporting and entertainment venues'

NFL GAMES AT WEMBLEY 

October 28, 2007

New York Giants 13-10  Miami Dolphins

October 26, 2008

San Diego Chargers 32-37 New Orleans Saints

October 25, 2009

New England Patriots 35-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

October 31, 2010

Denver Broncos 16-24 San Francisco 49ers

October 23, 2011

Chicago Bears 24-18 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

October 28, 2012

New England Patriots 45-7 St Louis Rams

September 29, 2013

Pittsburgh Steelers 27-34 Minnesota Vikings

October 27, 2013

San Francisco 49ers 42-10 Jacksonville Jaguars

September 28, 2014

Miami Dolphins 38-14 Oakland Raiders

October 26, 2014

Detroit Lions 22-21 Atlanta Falcons

November 9, 2014

Dallas Cowboys 31-17 Jacksonville Jaguars 

'We have always underlined the importance of public sector support for the long-term regeneration of the area.

'This was an important factor for the NFL when they agreed to bring their hugely popular sport to Tottenham. I am delighted that we have succeeded in attracting them. We have a compelling and exciting partnership that will play its part as we begin transforming this area of Tottenham.'

The deal is not exclusive and NFL games can take place at other venues in the UK - with Wembley issuing a statement shortly after the Tottenham link-up was announced, detailing their hopes of a continuing relationship with the sport.

'Wembley has enjoyed a unique and successful relationship with the NFL since the International Series commenced in 2007,' it read.

'American Football has been embraced by fans in the UK and Europe and has grown year-on-year.

'Amongst the numerous successes has been the growth of the Jacksonville Jaguars whose community engagement and annual appearances have given a sense of the NFL's long-term commitment to the sport in the UK.

'Wembley Stadium has a proven record of hosting some of the world's biggest events, from record breaking concerts, UEFA Champions League Finals, to the upcoming Rugby World Cup fixtures and the UEFA 2020 European Championship Semi-Finals and Final and we look forward to the NFL remaining part of this iconic venue's annual schedule.'

Retractable grass pitches are nothing new in modern stadia design. England have played on two: at Gelsenkirchen in Germany during the 2006 World Cup and in the Sapporo Dome in Japan four years earlier.

The Gelredome in Holland also has a retractable pitch, as does the University of Phoenix Stadium that hosted this year's Super Bowl. 

The NFL will return to Wembley for three games this autumn, with teams looking at how quickly they can have their players back in the USA and ready to play again.

The clash between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars on October 25 will kick-off at 1.30pm while the New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins game on October 4 and Detroit Lions vs Kansas City Chiefs contest on November 1 will both begin at 2.30pm. 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added: 'With growing enthusiasm for the NFL in the United Kingdom, we are committed to hosting NFL games in world-class venues and are excited to partner with Tottenham Hotspur to play games at their future stadium.

'We share a vision and commitment to creating the best experience for our teams, fans and the local community.' 

Tottenham's new stadium could play host to a new NFL London franchise in the future

Tottenham's new stadium could play host to a new NFL London franchise in the future

The University of Phoenix stadium in Arizona also has a retractable pitch, pictured in 2006

The University of Phoenix stadium in Arizona also has a retractable pitch, pictured in 2006

 

 

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