Benefits Far Outweigh the Drawbacks for Packers Opening the Season in Brazil
By GilMartin
The NFL announced that the Green Bay Packers will open the 2024 season in Sao Paulo, Brazil in the first ever NFL regular season game in South America. The Packers will be the road team while the “home team” will be the Philadelphia Eagles. But what are the pros and cons of the Packers taking part in this international game and does the good outweigh the bad?
There are only a few drawbacks to the game, and they are minor compared to the benefits. The first big issue is for the players themselves. Like most athletes, NFL players are creatures of habit and their weekly routines to prepare for games are disrupted by this Friday night game overseas.
The Packers will have to do something different than they’re used to when they prepare for this game including getting passports, a longer amount of travel and being in a country where they don’t speak the language.
Unlike London, of course, the time zone difference is minimal with a one-hour difference from Green Bay to Sao Paulo as compared to six hours from London.
The other minor nuisance for Packers fans outside Wisconsin is that the streaming service Peacock has the exclusive rights to broadcast this game. That means those fans who don’t pay for a subscription to Peacock may have to go to a sports bar or a friend who does subscribe to watch the game.
Fans who wish to attend the game will have a memorable experience in Brazil which is certainly unique as compared to Philadelphia. It is also more expensive but there are still seven other road games for Packers fans to travel to domestically if they don’t want to spend the money to go to South America.
But the advantages are numerous. First off, the Packers will avoid a trip to Philadelphia which tends to be one of the more hostile venues in the NFL for visiting teams. Yes, this is a road game officially for the Packers, but it should feel like a home game since the Packers are one of the most popular teams in Brazil according to a recent poll. So, while the Pack will be the road team, the majority of fans in the stadium will likely be cheering for the Green and Gold.
That means the Packers will play nine home games this year and seven road games and one game at a neutral site. The neutral site game will feel like a home game and that gives the team another advantage over its competitors.
The game also gets the season started with the Packers in the spotlight. All eyes will be on this game as it is the only contest being played on Friday night in Week 1. The rest of the league will be watching and concentrating on this key NFC matchup. If the Packers win the game, they will start the season with a 1-0 record in the conference and they will own the tiebreaker over the Eagles in the playoff race.
In addition, the game is historic. Being one of two teams to play in the first ever NFL regular-season game to be played in South America is a big deal. The team should have no difficulty getting up for this game.
Since NFL teams have a full week off in between the final preseason game and the first regular season game, the impact before the game will be minimal and the team will be well rested.
The Packers will gain a benefit on the back end of the game also. The NFL usually accommodates teams after they play internationally. The Packers will have a few extra days off before they play in Week 2 and the game will almost certainly be at Lambeau Field. That should provide the team with an advantage over their Week 2 opponent.
“We're looking forward to being a part of this historic matchup against the Eagles in São Paulo,” Packers President Mark Murphy said. “We're excited to play in front of our devoted fans in Brazil and help build upon the international popularity of the NFL and the Packers. We had a great experience playing internationally for the first time a couple of years ago and we're proud to be part of the league's continued global growth.”
The Packers will make history in September when they appear in Brazil. It will be an exciting time for the league, the organization, and the players. While there are some issues to be worked out, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The countdown to Week 1 has already begun.
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You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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Comments (35)
Coldworld
April 11, 2024 at 12:14 pm
If you had entitled this something like “The best of an Inevitable Bad Deal” I would be closer to agreeing to your logic. If we have to travel 14 hours to play a game, a week one away game is probably the least worst time. That’s about the best I can say about it from a football perspective.
The $ made these things inevitable, get it done and move on, but expect more such silliness in season in future and often more inconvenient for fans and players even than this one. No, it’s not a hidden boon unless perhaps you are looking at the long term bottom line of the owners. It’s a Football distraction.
Cheezehead72
April 11, 2024 at 01:03 pm
I like your comment. I do not seethe two extra days between week one and week two as being an advantage. I look at it as extra time to get to where they would be if they played in Philly on a Sunday to Sunday.
Yes I do not live in Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Philly so I have to go the Peacock route or go to a bar to watch it.
I will not get Peacock even for one month because I do not want to support the streaming services. I want them to lose money on these games.
The Packers lost their only international regular season game to the Giants. So until they win an international game I would say they are at a disadvantage in this game.
Once again Goodell has shown he does not want to reward old fans that have stood by the league for decades. He is more interested in making a name for himself. Plus he has made it a sure thing we have another year where the Packers do not open at home. Fire Goodell.
LLCHESTY
April 11, 2024 at 01:17 pm
Goodell and his $63.9 million annual salary laughs at you.
cdoemel
April 11, 2024 at 01:20 pm
Do you sit on your porch and yell at kids who might step on your lawn? Just watching and waiting for some reason to unleash “grumpy old man”?
Cheezehead72
April 11, 2024 at 01:32 pm
No I do not have a porch
jont
April 12, 2024 at 12:20 pm
🤣
TacoTuesday
April 11, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Goodell: "Murphy, Play the game in Brazil and the 2025 NFL Draft takes place in Green Bay, and here have a Taco."
cdoemel
April 11, 2024 at 01:21 pm
It’s Thursday
BobWellhoefer
April 12, 2024 at 10:12 am
Ummm, they don't eat tacos in Brazil. Get a clue.
T7Steve
April 11, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Gill, you didn't predict the score! All right, I'll give you a pass for a couple weeks.
We better get used to these types of games because now the NFL has voted only a 4-season exemption not 8 from non-domestic games, so you know they have more plans up their sleave.
splitpea1
April 11, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Other than this game being a historic event, I am having trouble seeing any benefits.
What's the knock on Philadelphia? All the stadia are conveniently located between I-95 and the end of Broad Street. There is a large municipal park and some shipping warehouses that serve as a buffer zone between the stadium and the neighborhoods of South Philly, which aren't bad at all. And the fans aren't "hostile", they're just passionate--like many other home crowds.
Okay, maybe the Packers are the more popular team in Brazil. I'll take your word for it. But the Eagles are still a challenging matchup and probably very eager to erase their memories of fizzling out last season. I understand we're also a challenging team, but I would still prefer a standard opening in our country against another opponent so we have a better chance of starting 1-0.
And then there's bleeping Peacock. At least with Amazon there are other things to take advantage of, but not here. They're a nuisance.
Goodell is a lousy commissioner who is more interested in money and marketing than serving the fans and upholding the integrity of the game.
T7Steve
April 11, 2024 at 01:08 pm
Another thing I thought about is that our new D will be facing their new offense, so it will be very challenging to both squads.
splitpea1
April 11, 2024 at 02:57 pm
Might be a lot of newness for both defenses, as the Eagles have similar draft needs on that side of the ball. Could be a high-scoring game.
Bitternotsour
April 11, 2024 at 01:35 pm
As to Peacock, the Premier league would beg to differ...
Goodell's ostensible job is money and marketing, and well, growing the game internationally (and domestically - Hello Taylor!).
If you really hate Peacock, consider this game "pay per view" and fork over $6 for 4 hours of entertainment. You can bring your own beer.
splitpea1
April 11, 2024 at 03:00 pm
Are you a Peacock sales rep?
Bitternotsour
April 11, 2024 at 05:53 pm
I'm the voice of the future.
splitpea1
April 11, 2024 at 07:51 pm
You're probably right--they even do it with regular season baseball games now, so there must be a market for even that.
Leatherhead
April 11, 2024 at 01:09 pm
To boldly go where no Packers have gone before.....
Lare
April 11, 2024 at 01:29 pm
I really see no benefit in having to travel for 26-28 hours to and from playing a football game.
Cheezehead72
April 11, 2024 at 01:35 pm
Oh wow the Packers along with the Eagles will be the first to play a regular season game in South America. Oh I am so proud to be a Packer fan.
GregC
April 11, 2024 at 01:35 pm
Could we please have no more pep talks about this? For the vast majority of fans, overseas games are simply a nuisance.
DocHoliday
April 11, 2024 at 02:30 pm
This game would either be played in Philadelphia or Brazil.
I'd rather the Packers play in Brazil where the country cheers for green and gold, then in a stadium known for throwing snowballs at Santa and batteries at players.
A country known for steak and cheese bread sounds like a good place for the Packers to play a "road game".
stockholder
April 11, 2024 at 04:43 pm
This is just over- reach no matter what.
Don't eat more than 3 Brazil nuts.
LambeauPlain
April 11, 2024 at 05:11 pm
Do they have "bowgadaws" in São Paulo? The FLOTUS really likes them. The Team should get to enjoy some amazing cuisine. Just don't drink the local water.
I see no value to this game as a Packer Fan. And if I want to watch the the Pack attack the Eagles, the NFL/"god"dard gives me the bird...as in Peacock.
What's next, the SB in Beijing?
cdoemel
April 11, 2024 at 11:11 pm
Omg relax. Why always glass half empty.
LeotisHarris
April 11, 2024 at 06:39 pm
Hagemeister Park had plenty of wear left in it, but noooooo, the Packers had to play in City Stadium, and Bellvue Park, and various fields in Milwaukee before going to their fancy-schmancy Lambeau Field. Now look what's happening!
And, road games? Weh-heh-helll, those were *always* played right here in the good old US of A, the way God and the Founding Fathers intended. None of this galivanting all over the globe to play the great game of American Football in freaking *soccer* stadiums. This all started when they outlawed dodgeball in high school gym class. That slippery slope has brought us here; Friday Night Lights From Brazil, Someone needs a big knuckle sandwich, and a size 14 to the keister, and his initials are Roger Goodell! If Lombardi and Halas were still alive, well, they'd be really old so I guess not much would change. But, they'd be mad, that's for sure. Concrete Chuck Bednarik would be royally hacked, too. And, Nitschke? You don't wanna know.
What time is kickoff?
LLCHESTY
April 11, 2024 at 07:09 pm
Is still miss the Racine Legion. Now that was a real NFL team!
cdoemel
April 11, 2024 at 11:13 pm
Hahahahaha.
Bitternotsour
April 12, 2024 at 12:40 pm
Remember when a good old drum and bugle corp was plenty for a halftime show? That's what I want to see, some of that old John Philip Souza. Everyone marching in line.
None of that fancy pants Taylor Swift/ or that urban beat music for me. It's also time for the game to move back outside, no heaters, no fancy sushi, and dammit all, your beer should be served from a bottle, and name on the label should be Jos. Schlitz.
Instant replay ruined this game. Also paying the players to play. What the hell. What kinda game is that.
vin0770
April 11, 2024 at 07:12 pm
Peacock really, that’s such Bull$hit! 😤
Since'61
April 12, 2024 at 08:00 am
There is just no reason for playing in Brazil other than another NFL money grab. We can allege that there are some minor benefits for the Packers but that only matters if the Packers win the game.
I think the last time the Packers played a season opener at home was 2018. How about giving the Packers a season opener at Lambeau. Now that would have actual benefits. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
Starrbrite
April 12, 2024 at 10:16 pm
Right on ‘61.
BobWellhoefer
April 12, 2024 at 10:31 am
The NFL is not going to stop this crap until the fans no longer support it. If they keep coming up with genius cash grabs like this, that time won't be long. Clearly their goal is to have a game on TV every single day of the week which has no benefit to anybody but the billionaire owners. Does the NFL really think that Brazil gives a flying fuck about the NFL? They're going to have to GIVE most of those tickets away just to fill the stadium. So maybe it won't be such a cash grabs after all.
Bitternotsour
April 12, 2024 at 11:32 am
Does the NFL think that Brazil cares about the NFL? The answer is pretty obvious, though you don't care for that answer. Those tickets are not being given away pally. Regardless, the NFL is further priming the pump to become an international game. Check out the 19 highest rated television episodes last year - you may note some through thread.
The NFL is an entertainment spectacle, and you can watch it if you care to, or leave it behind. You'll be replaced by one of the legions of international fans, or by some tween swifties, who are also getting on the train.
Starrbrite
April 12, 2024 at 10:13 pm
I was just rummaging thru the glove compartment in the family passenger van and located the money for a flight to Brazil; and maybe I’ll fly to Europe afterward and take in an additional NFL game. I didn’t realize the NFL is associated with the World Soccer League.
It’s wonderful we have a Packer fan base in Brazil, but they can travel here, or subscribe to Peacock, if the choose to see the Packers.
NFL football is a sport specific to America, we don’t need to farm it out.
Go Packers!!!