NFL set to host New Zealand games in Auckland and Wellington

A pair of NFL exhibition games appear set to be staged in Auckland and Wellington early next year.

According to a report in the Sunday Star Times via Stuff, the NFL will confirm two exhibition matches to be played at Eden Park in Auckland and the other at Wellington’ Westpac Stadium.

The ground-breaking concept, which has been nearly four years in the making and is likely to be called the Southern Bowl, will involve six NFL franchises – including the Cowboys, the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals.

Potential local interest in the game could be boosted by the presence of former rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne, who is now contracted to the 49ers.

The double-header is being backed by event management company Douglas Webber Events.

 American football is a fringe sport in New Zealand, but the matches are set to be a major coup, especially given just a handful of Kiwis have played in the NFL.

Interest in American football appears to be on the rise with Melbourne's Etihad Stadium currently negotiating to stage a College Bowl event.

1st June 2015 - ETIHAD STADIUM LOOKS TO HOST AUSTRALIA’S FIRST COLLEGE BOWL

17th April 2015 - WESTPAC STADIUM MARKS A YEAR OF MEZZANINE LOUNGE OPERATIONS

30th September 2014 - EDEN PARK TRUSTEES REJECT AUCKLAND COUNCIL COST-CUTTING PROPOSAL 

2nd March 2012 - WESTPAC STADIUM PLATES UP WITH EPICURE

3rd November 2009 - WESTPAC STADIUM RATED NEW ZEALAND’S BEST SPORTS VENUE

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