American sports will be in the spotlight in London this year as more US athletes and events choose the UK capital as their second home.
According to Visit London 2018 saw a record 2.6m visits to London from the US, with live sports events playing a key role in attracting tourists.
Upcoming highlights include the Boston Red Sox going head to head with baseball rivals New York Yankees and US tennis icon Serena Williams aiming to win a 24th grand slam title at Wimbledon.
In October and November four matches will be played in London during the NFL’s 100th anniversary. Two games will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and two at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking of his experience playing in the capital, Tom Brady, the six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback of the New England Patriots said: “Playing in London is something we will remember for the rest of our lives. It’s a privilege for the players to come to London and enjoy that experience.
“It was like a Super Bowl, all the flashbulbs going off and the fans waving their flags for the first five minutes of the game. You don’t see that too often.”
Chris FJ Lynn of London & Partners, which runs VisitLondon, added: “We are so excited to have so many US athletes and events in London for the first time, bringing fans from all over the world together in their shared love of the game.
“American visitors will be able to see their sports heroes from home battling it out across the pond in some of the most famous venues in the world, from Wembley Stadium to London Stadium. We can’t wait to welcome US players and fans to our city for an unforgettable year of sport.”
Major League Baseball London Series 2019
- What: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
- When: 28-29 June
- Where: London Stadium
The Championships, Wimbledon
- When: 1–14 July
- Where: All England Club, Wimbledon
- Tickets: book here.
NFL London Games 2019
- 6 October: Chicago Bears vs. Oakland Raiders (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- 13 October: Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- 27 October: Cincinnati Bengals vs. LA Rams (Wembley Stadium)
- 3 November: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wembley Stadium)
Images and information: London & Partners