Wembley Stadium hosted its first American college football game on Saturday with the Union Jack Classic, featuring Arizona State and Kansas. The event drew 46,523 attendees, roughly half of the initially planned 60,000-person capacity. Arizona State emerged victorious with a 24-17 win over Kansas.
Organizers sought to replicate the college football gameday experience distinctive to American universities. Tailgate parties began seven hours before kick-off, with entertainment including Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne and performances by marching bands and cheerleaders from both schools. The atmosphere differed from NFL games held at Wembley since 2007, as college football loyalties tend to be family-based rather than individually chosen. Approximately 15,000 fans traveled from the United States, with 9,000 supporting Arizona State and 6,000 supporting Kansas. Attendees from 35 countries purchased tickets, and organizers partnered with grassroots organizations including the British American Football Association and Jacksonville Jaguars to engage UK-based American football players and coaches.
The game included music performances and a light show but lacked some traditional pageantry of college games in the United States. Both teams brought 105 players each, with 90% lacking passports prior to the trip. Coaches from both programs praised the experience and logistical support provided.
The Big 12 Conference has signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with Wembley for future games. Conference Commissioner Brett Yormark indicated that other Big 12 institutions have expressed interest in playing in London, and announcements regarding the next year’s game are expected within the coming weeks. The conference has also hosted games in Dublin over the previous 13 months and is exploring additional international markets for its programming.
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