NFL delivers surprise change ahead of Brazil season opener, and it is something Chiefs fans will absolutely celebrate
It’s the second NFL game in São Paulo.
SÃO PAULO — Go back to last year’s game in São Paulo between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. Because the Eagles were the designated home team, both end zones were painted with their colors. That’s been the main rule for international games for a long time.
But not anymore. Arena Corinthians is ready to host the Los Angeles Chargers-Kansas City Chiefs regular-season opener on Friday in São Paulo, and each end zone has the logo and color scheme of one team. Yes, the Chargers are the designated home team, but the end zones will simulate what happens in the Super Bowl.
According to the NFL, this is the new procedure for international games moving forward, aimed at expanding the teams’ brands outside the United States.
“New for this year, the logos or marks of both teams will appear in their respective end zones of all NFL international games,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Athletic via a statement. “It’s a fun element to further enhance the atmosphere as a big event and create a special look and feel for international games. As always at international games, all of the gameday presentations and rituals of the designated team will be featured like a home game — in this case, the Chargers.”
The rest of the stadium has the Chargers’ color scheme. And based on what happened for the Eagles last year, the sound effects throughout the game will also incentivize the designated home team. But the adaptation in the end zone is a notable difference.
International expansion
The NFL has made a concerted effort over the past few years to expand the league and its teams globally. São Paulo receives an NFL game for the second time ever, and the league has indicated that it will be a consistent presence in Brazil.
This year alone, there will be seven international games. Besides Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Spain will host games. Next year, Australia will be a part of the schedule—and Mexico may return to it as well.
Sept. 5 — Chiefs @ Chargers, São Paulo (Brazil)
Sept. 28 — Vikings @ Steelers, Dublin (Ireland)
Oct. 5 — Vikings @ Browns, London (UK)
Oct. 19 — Rams @ Jaguars, London (UK)
Nov. 9 — Falcons @ Colts, Berlin (Germany)
Nov. 16 — Commanders @ Dolphins, Madrid (Spain)
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