.jpg&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "Deacon Jones: A Game-Changing Legend Passes")
After Dropping London Games, Rams Could Consider Spain
In September last year, the St. Louis Rams visited Fairmont City Library Center to join a group of kids for an afternoon of PLAY 60 activities and experience Hispanic life through dance lessons and food tasting. The activity was part of the NFL Hispanic Heritage month, an annual event that aims to reach out to the Spanish community in America. There are a considerable number of Hispanic people living in St. Louis and making them feel welcome only proves the team’s commitment in luring a diverse fan base. Right now, the NFL as a whole is trying to become a global brand and the best way to start the mission is by being hospitable to foreigners on their soil. One month after, the St. Louis Rams came off a game in London wherein they lost to the New England Patriots. That regular season UK game was part of the NFL’s European expansion. The team and the league are really serious with their goals. But what about other countries like Spain? This Hispanic nation is one of the European territories that embraces American football in a big way. In fact, it has its own American football league, the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano (LFNA), which follows the NFL format.
With the fact that the NFL celebrates the Hispanic Heritage month annually, a series of games in Spain is a great option. The Rams, which recently dropped their interest in London games for 2013 and 2014, must consider playing in Spain given its rich relationships with the Hispanic community. Visiting Spain is a not a bad idea. The country has quality fields that can accommodate the Rams. Its American football fan base is also huge. When it comes to players’ enjoyment, Spain also has a lot to offer. There are many activities to partake in this country. Even poker, the sport that most NFL players are fond of, is big here. There are many casinos around Madrid, Barcelona and other cities that the athletes can visit. If they can’t go outdoors because of media attention, they can use the internet to play the card game. Online poker, though only entered the country just last year, is also a hit in Spain, with sites such as partypoker recording huge traffic. Partypoker offers fun and competitive games that give players the chance to win cash. The games here are played by real people, not computers. It also has tournaments that let you qualify for the World Poker Tour. St. Louis Rams can use this website, which is playable on tablet or smartphones, to keep their minds relaxed before the game.
Poker did not have any problems entering the Spanish market, the same can be said with the Rams and the NFL’s quest of European expansion. They just need to take good measures. Playing in Spanish gridirons will surely boost their popularity. If English fans had the chance to see NFL players, maybe it is about time for NFL Spain to make a move and let Spanish fans witness the tough and thrilling sport that is American Football.
