The Indianapolis Colts are set to make history by competing in the first regular-season NFL game held in Berlin.
On Tuesday, the league confirmed that the match will take place at Olympic Stadium in 2025, although the opponent and specific date for the game have not yet been announced.
In 2022, the NFL made headlines with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Munich, marking the league’s inaugural regular-season game in Germany.
Additionally, between 1990 and 1994, the NFL hosted five American Bowl games at the same Olympic Stadium, which also had been home to the NFL Europe team, the Berlin Thunder, from 2003 to 2007.
According to Alexander Steinforth, the general manager of NFL Germany, the league recognizes Germany as a significant market due to the growing enthusiasm and support for American football.
He expressed excitement about the Colts’ participation in this historic occasion and noted that Berlin is a city rich in football history, highlighting the league’s commitment to international growth.
The announcement of Berlin as a host city was made in December.
Colts owner Jim Irsay conveyed pride in being part of this groundbreaking event, emphasizing the NFL’s status as a global entity.
He also mentioned the opportunities this game creates for local Indiana partners to interact with German businesses and fans.
In 2025, the NFL has the capability to arrange up to eight regular-season games internationally. Two of these will occur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, while another will unfold at the Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have been designated to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will make their return to Wembley Stadium for a “home” game.
Throughout its history, the NFL has staged a total of 55 regular-season games around the globe, with cities such as London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto having hosted matches.
The Colts have previously participated in two international regular-season games, including one in London and one in Frankfurt.
