Spurs to host NFL matches thanks to a retractable grass pitch

Will Mott

Former Sports Reporter, ITV News London

, Credit: ,

When Spurs open their new ground it’ll be one of the largest in the Premier League. But it’ll also be making waves the other side of the pond.

That’s because as well as top class football it’ll host two NFL games a season from 2018.

And this is some commitment – Tottenham will have a retractable grass pitch that’ll disappear and be replaced with an artificial one every time the Gridiron goalposts go up.

And even something that sounds trivial – such as the larger size of NFL squads – will have to be considered when building the dressing rooms.

Credit: Tottenham Hotspur

So it’s not surprising that speculation is growing that London will finally have an NFL franchise to call its own.

London is of course well used to American Football. Wembley has welcomed teams such as the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins since 2007. And the national stadium will continue to host NFL matches once Spurs have their new home.

But in terms of harnessing the enormous potential NFL has in this country, it seems Tottenham have made the first play.