Alex Barth
January 19th
When the NFL added a 17th game to the schedule in 2021, it created a situation where each team plays an odd number of home games every other year. In even number years, NFC teams play nine home games and eight road games. Odd number years see that flipped in favor of the AFC.
That means next year, the Patriots will have one extra home game. However, they’ll be playing that game ‘on the road.’
On Thursday morning, the NFL announced the Patriots will be playing a home game in Germany at some point during the 2023 season. The date, opponent, and exact location are expected to be revealed around the NFL schedule release in May.
“We are thrilled to be selected to play in Germany this year,” Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement. “We are undefeated in our three previous international games, thanks in part to the outstanding support from our fans. We know that some of our most passionate fans reside in Germany, and we look forward to finally playing a game there. We know the fans will create an amazing atmosphere. We are sure it will be a memorable experience and one of the highlights of the 2023 season.”
It had been rumored and reported for the last year that the Patriots were likely heading to Germany for a game. They were awarded the German market as a marketing area when the NFL introduced the HMA initiative at the end of the 2021 season.
A message from Robert Kraft to the German Patriots fans. pic.twitter.com/A3YpPSxtkn
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 19, 2023
This will be the Patriots’ first international game since 2017, and their first trip to Europe since 2012. It’s also their first time giving up a home game to play in Europe, as they’ve been the designated visitor in each of the last three trips.
Their last international game was in Mexico City against the Raiders – a 33-8 win. Prior to that they’d played the Rams (2012) and Buccaneers (2009) at Wembley Stadium in London, winning both games in blowout fashion.
The Patriots are one of five NFL teams who will host a game abroad during the 2023 season. They’ll be joined by the Kansas City Chiefs, who will also be hosting a game there at some point. The Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans will both host games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Elsewhere, the Jaguars will host a game at Wembley Stadium as they’ve done 10 times in the last 11 years (the NFL didn’t play any international games during the 2020 Pandemic-impacted season). There will be no game in Mexico City this year due to renovations taking place at Estadio Azteca.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
