Rams To Play In London; Fan Reaction
by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 20, 2012 9:14 AM CST
Email
Print
News broke this morning that the St. Louis Rams would play one home game in each of the next three seasons in London. The reaction has been mixed among fans, particularly fans in St. Louis where the little matter of the team's lease remains unanswered.
Some are displeased that the Rams will lose one of their home games in each of the next three seasons. Season ticket holders seem to be the most upset with that news. However, the team will refund season ticket holders for the London game.
For others, the news the chance for increased visibility. For the Rams, it's the chance to make a little more money, and increase their exposure.
Of course, the biggest issue on the minds of fans is how this factors into the ongoing discussion over the Rams' lease on the Ed Jones Dome and the potential for the team to flee the market. We'll have more on that issue later today. For now, let's get the pulse of Rams Nation.
101 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Hell Yeah!
You know I’m all for this, being that I’m a Londoner. I’ll be happy to make you all welcome and show you the best of London if you make the trip!
Follow my NFL-orientated Twitter Feed http://twitter.com/RossMiles
by YankeeDoodleBrit on Jan 20, 2012 9:18 AM CST reply actions
I said no.
But I can also see the good side for international fans and promotion of the game and team.
The reason I say no is sure they’ll compensate season ticket holders, but what about lost revenue to the city and businesses? I know that one football game can bring in millions.
Well.
I think it can bring in millions. I’m too lazy to look at if that is true.
Actually
In the book Soccernomics they looked at the economic impact of regular league games in England and the World Cup. What they found is that there is little impact on the surrounding businesses. There are two reasons why: 1. The fans going to these games are probably going to go to a restaurant and that would be there only impact on the local economy. There other main purchase is a hotel. These are not very significant because 2. The high volume of people going to a game keeps people from going out. If you want to go out and the Rams game shuts down traffic you probably will stay home and the money you would have spent becomes an idle resource.
My favorite team is the Rams, and my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Seahawks.
by LookgoodPlaygood on Jan 20, 2012 9:52 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
they were talking about this on the Dan Patrick Radio Show
Mike Florio was filling in, and they posed the question that if it weren’t your favorite team signing this agreement, would you be OK with it, I would have to say Yes. I don’t want my Broncos moving to London or Copenhagen, Stockholm, wherever, but I want the whole world to see how great this game is, so, no offense, I’d be OK if another team went. Hopefully you guys keep your Rams, dang you guys are loyal, you deserve success.
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions
Great for
Team exposure
London
International Fans
Bad for
St Louis Economy
Fans-who want to see the game live.
No no no. Don’t like it.
They will notice and they will giggle.
by papapegasus on Jan 20, 2012 9:37 AM CST via Android app reply actions
Screw the Patriots
I hope the Ravens beat the crap out of em
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
+1000000000
"To crush the Seahawks, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women."
Bernard Pollard plays for the Ravens now
Am I the only one hoping that he and Tom’s ACL get re-aquainted this week?
"To crush the Seahawks, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women."
As an English fan of the team
I like it as it means I get to see the Rams for each of the next three seasons. I also like that it seems to be an effort on that Rams part to become ’England’s team’.
However, I can fully accept that if I was a fan back in St. Louis, I’d be a bit pissed.
that's the flip side
enjoy seeing the Rams more often, at least someone likes it
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:15 AM CST up reply actions
I don't like this at all
It is terrible if every year our most exciting opponent is always played in England. If they randomly pick games I still don’t like it but it isn’t as bad. Are they going to have us play the Seahawks over there while both teams are struggling? Would have had no problem selling out the patriots game in stlouis on day 1 of ticket sales
by bashuck on Jan 20, 2012 9:51 AM CST via mobile reply actions
No offense meant to European fans, but I don't like the idea of the NFL in Europe
Now A gridiron football league in Europe I wouldn’t mind, but expanding the NFL to include regular season travel would be a terrible idea and it seems to be what the NFL wants and has wanted. Homefield advantage (on both sides) would be damn near unbeatable. Plus more teams would mean less talent per team with the exception of unbeatable elite teams.
by HomerForTheRams on Jan 20, 2012 10:00 AM CST reply actions
you forgot this reason
We lose a home game, and we’re generally even more terrible when we’re not at home. This could negatively affect the Rams’ record. Toss in the fact that we’re playing the patriots.
Meh
We'll be at Arsenal facilities
It’s closer to a home game for us than the the other teams we will be playing.
"To crush the Seahawks, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women."
I think having Ram fans over seas is great
We can let this happen without too much pain. I don’t care if the NFL goes to Europe or not but all fans should have an opportunity to watch if it can be done, and it can.
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
that is a good take
hopefully there’s more Rams fans there than Pats fans
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:18 AM CST up reply actions
Remind the British
The Pats represent the insolent 18th century rebels. Boo every time they have the ball.
"To crush the Seahawks, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women."
absolutely, those scumbag dissenters
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 2:52 PM CST up reply actions
As a Brit Rams fan
I am still against a UK based franchise anytime soon as we just dont have the interest to fill a stadium 8 times per season. However, the single game per year is very popular and I am really excited to get to see the Rams three years in a row. I will be at each game.
Also, the powers that be within the NFL seem determined to launch the NFL as a global brand. To achieve that will require taking the game outside of the US more and more… if they want our money they need to give us more than crappy internet streaming.
On the negative side for me personally, it ruins my planned trip to St. Louis to see the Rams this year… far too difficult to clear the spend with the g/friend on seeing two games.
by Will not be defeated on Jan 20, 2012 10:26 AM CST reply actions
I'm probably in the minority but...
with the worry of the Rams possibly leaving St. Louis forever in a couple years, I’m ok with playing one game a year in London.
If this international exercise can somehow help keep the Rams in St. Louis long term, I’ll deal with it.
If on the other hand E. Stanley plans to move the Rams elsewhere, losing a few games doesn’t really matter.
by @EricFromSTL on Jan 20, 2012 10:33 AM CST via Android app reply actions
London take note
“@MattSebek: England sure as hell better start studying the Rams Rules immediately. — ”http://t.co/qUQiUZdp" target="_blank">http://t.co/qUQiUZdp
by @EricFromSTL on Jan 20, 2012 11:35 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
It will do the opposite.
Kroenke is hedging his bets, putting effort into trying to recruit fans who won’t be affected by a move in a few years. To fans from the other side of the pond, it doesn’t matter where the Rams play their US based home games.
The Rams now have one foot out the door.
I think its a good thing every so often but......
Playing in the London one game for the next three years??? That is alittle overboard to me. I dont mind them going to play in London once every 5 years or something but for the next three years we will be missing a home game puts us at a disadvantage. Every other team will have 8 home games and we will have 7, home field advantage is a big deal. I dont mind them playing overseas occasionally but this could end up hurting the team.
they should mix up the teams every year so you see different teams in London every year unless....
they are considering moving the Rams to London and want to see how the ticket sales are. I would be furious if my team moved to another continent.
I appreciate your concerns
/s/ Roger Goodell giving the Saints a “home” game at the Meadowlands
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
It's all good....
It’s Stan’s leverage game. The Rams are staying in St Louis. L.A. will be lucky to get a team period. And we as season ticket holders are being comped.
by Rcoon1307 on Jan 20, 2012 10:55 AM CST via mobile reply actions
the Los Angeles Chargers
and the Raiders too I’ll bet, no room for the Rams. Do you honestly think Jeff Fisher would have agreed to coach you guys if he had to go another move as he did from Houston to Tennessee?
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:27 AM CST up reply actions
How are those who purchased a PSL under the understanding...
that they have to pay for two preseason games to get eight regular season games being comped? The only way I am OK with this if they charge us half price for the preseason games the next three years. This is a total breach of trust between the organization and the fans that have kept the team on very good financial ground the majority of it’s time in StL.
I understand it’s good from building a building the brand of the Rams and I’d have a lot less of an issue if either one of the games was not a home game or if the organization could explain this will help keep the team in StL… which sadly I don’t believe is the case.
They should play at Emirates Stadium instead.
… or whatever it will be called once the naming rights contract expires.
Alex Song - Krunk as Fuck!
I think the big question is how will it affect our wins?
Sure, wins might not matter next year, but surely it won’t help being jet lagged and away from home in three years time when they might actually count.
by stgeorgie on Jan 20, 2012 11:03 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I like this....
We should look at this from a business standpoint…its another dollar in Stan’s pocket that he doesn’t attribute to St. Louis not supporting the team. It is a game that will probably bring in twice the revenue of a normal game and gives the team great international exposure. A win is a win, but let’s face it, getting beat across the pond in comparison to getting beat at home is a little better for me. We will be good in 2012, but I have a hard time believing that we will be able to reach the level needed to beat the Patriots. So have fun in Yea Olde England!
by James Goldbleu on Jan 20, 2012 11:14 AM CST reply actions
Is Kronke trying to make the team unviable in St Louis?
Seriously this is an absolute shitty thing to do to the city and the local fanbase.
It’s hard enough to generate support for the team as is without the club thumbing it’s nose at the community. This move will make the already hard task of selling the community on doing what will be necessary to keep the Rams.
I have less of a problem with only receiving 7 home games as I do with the reality that we still have to finance two of the bullshit preseason games. Essentially this is a ticket price increase as the preseason games are essentially worthless.
The other issue I have is the lack of transparency with the teams intentions. If this isn’t a move to gain leverage or worse then it’s beyond insensitive to subject the fanbase to a London experiment.
I’ll hold off on my final judgement until we see what transpires February but I’ll just say this announcement is a low blow.
Well, playing in London
The test of the world will get to see the rams suck balls. Not only do we lose on US soil, but now we get to lose on British soil.
Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.
by Skunkburner on Jan 20, 2012 11:29 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I am ok with one in 2012 and another one in 2014 but...
2012,2013,and 2014? Is it really necessary? Not sure if they will all be home games but if they are that puts us at a bit of a disadvantage against other teams that have 8 home games a year. In my opinion they should have two teams from either the Super Bowl or the conference championships play in Europe every year, that way it is kinda like a reward (going overseas) for playing good the year before. That would make it a variety of teams in most cases and would provide more of a competitive game.
If they are trying to build a Rams fan base in Europe then they need to schedule a easier team than the Pats...
Nobody wants to root for a loser.
Nope, don't like it
If it were an away game I’d be more fine. So bad. Plus if they want spread the NFL name across the world, why send the team that’s been the worst over the last 5 years?
Aaaaaand I don’t think it gets that much more attention anyway, no network ever makes a big deal of it. They just cover the game. I’m against it, especially as a home game.
Beating off the dog is never appropriate when we have company over...... I mean EVER!
by sergey606 on Jan 20, 2012 11:32 AM CST via mobile reply actions
And to all the European Rams
Id be excited too, but like someoe said “you shouldn’t even expect to watch a game” gonna have to fly to STL or wherever they’re playing the away game, that’s the norm at least.
Beating off the dog is never appropriate when we have company over...... I mean EVER!
by sergey606 on Jan 20, 2012 11:33 AM CST via mobile reply actions
This is not good
I’m going to just be told to shut up, but I’m going to say this anyway…
It’s pretty obvious the Rams or Bucs (Glazer’s also have UK ties) will be moving to London someday.
Kroenke owns the Arsenal. Goodell has been saying for YEARS that he wants the NFL in London. The Rams lease expires in 2014 and Stan wont say a word to assure anyone they’re staying in St. Louis (yes, leverage, I understand)
Come on people…I can’t be the only one who sees what’s happening here
Arte, it's time to retire # 15
I would hope
it never comes to pass, you never want to lose your team, but we shall see how it goes
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 20, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
LOL
I’m pretty sure like sergey said it’s gonna be an expansion if anything.
I think 1 team will move to LA, then they’ll create 2 new expansion teams – 1 in LA and the other in the UK. So LA gets 2 teams and England gets 1. Makes sense to me anyway…
by x Nightwing x on Jan 20, 2012 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
“This year is a very competitive year for sport in the UK, especially with the Olympics in London,” NFLUK managing director Alistair Kirkwood said. "Also, with the Rams having made an unprecedented commitment to playing in the UK for the next three years, we wanted to focus on them as our ‘home’ team without another game taking place.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/01/20/rams-nfl-london.ap/index.html#ixzz1k1Ss4vxA
Arte, it's time to retire # 15
Shut up.
Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.
by Skunkburner on Jan 20, 2012 11:36 AM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
or watch them on TV
Us UK fans have been doing so for years
Is the game date set in stone yet? I want to get a few author friends out that way working on great seats ASAP
Then again, I have no idea if there is a great seat for NFL football in Wembley? Any British TSTer know what is the best seating section?
What would be a hoot is if I could get Peter James to go to the games with me.
Great guy who I swear reminds me of Austin Powers! lol
I just hope this isn't on a week that I can fly to the game
Will this put a damper on our TST meet-up?!
Beating off the dog is never appropriate when we have company over...... I mean EVER!
Lol have a TST meet up in London
We will need all the Rams fans we can get over here cause you can rest assured that a majority will be wearing Brady shirts. I understand that the NFL wants a winning team playing at wembley but one that already has a fairly strong fanbase here makes this game more of a home game for the Pats than the Rams.
by Stonedtodeath on Jan 20, 2012 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
no kidding, why not make it a home game for them?!
Beating off the dog is never appropriate when we have company over...... I mean EVER!
fucking brilliant
This is a
once in a lifetime chance for me to see the rams so I’m sorry but I don’t care if people r pissed at it. I’m delighted
by Marty McKeown on Jan 20, 2012 12:21 PM CST via mobile reply actions
A thrice in a lifetime chance
by Marty McKeown on Jan 20, 2012 12:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I have a beer with your name on it if you do
by Will not be defeated on Jan 20, 2012 1:51 PM CST up reply actions
Hey, I'm off to the Pacfic Northwest in 10 days
I’ll post any pictures of him I get
by Will not be defeated on Jan 20, 2012 2:26 PM CST up reply actions
You're not looking in the right places.
I saw him myself. He was piloting a UFO right straight up the Columbia river Gorge with DBCooper, my Cousin.
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
There's been talk...
that the NFL is having London games with the intention of eventually having a team there. With the Rams having so many in a row, perhaps the NFL is testing the London Rams. The logistics of a London team playing in a Western conference does not make too much sense though. An East coast team would make more sense.
It's about time
The rams are going to London for the next 3 NFL Seasons, one in each season. Finally the rams are going to get reconigzed in London other than the country that I’m still in til I was born. USA. Congrats to the rams.
watching ESPN breakdown of Ray Rice and in the highlights they showed a score
SD 3 STL 17: Alexander 4 Rec 74 Yds 1 TD
…oh boy, miss the days we scored points.
Beating off the dog is never appropriate when we have company over...... I mean EVER!
It's really hard for me....
Everyone is flipping out over the possibility of the Rams leaving STL and going to LA or Europe and frankly, it’s flat out unintelligent! NO ONE IS GOING TO PAY FOR A LOSER TO MOVE IN!!!!! We have to win, then become more attractive than Oakland or the Chargers. I personally believe that both of those guys will be the two teams that end up in LA, not the Rams! Now Europe, I don’t know, but the main sports there eclipse American football by far so really? Come everyone, let’s get intelligent here!
by James Goldbleu on Jan 20, 2012 12:42 PM CST reply actions
Someone find Douglas M
And ask him if Derinda would allow a move to London. With her antics, she could star in a new Monty Python movie, then we would lose her forever.
NFL and England
In my opinion, there are three teams that, based on their owners also owning teams in the Premier League, should be playing games in London. The Rams are one of those three – and the only one of the three with ties to a London team (Arsenal).
The other two are: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Manchester United), who have been playing in London games, and the Cleveland Browns (Aston Villa, who are based in Birmingham), who haven’t.
What an awful decision.
Kroenke loves money and really doesn’t care about St. Louis. If that wasn’t obvious enough after the press conference, it is now. I wish Khan owned the team. When he insulted his fans, it was through one semi-correct statement. Kroenke just takes away a home game for his fans and hurts his team as well.
As a Brit Rams fan from when they were in LA, the big problem with the Rams as a London team is I’m the only Rams fan I know. I don’t remember seeing any at the world league games either.
There are many Pats, Bears, Packers, Dolphins and Raiders fans as an initial fan base, the dozen Brit based Rams fans aren’t going to fill the stadium ;)
Second problem is cost. Rip off Britain prices with ticket, transport and accomodation means even if there were 8 London games, most could only afford to go to one.
And I feel sorry for the St Louis fans, hope to go for a homegame there sometime soon.
Cool we're playing in London. Who are we facing?
2 men enter 1 man leaves. THOSE ARE THE RULES OF THUNDER DOME!
"I learned that Madonna will be singing at the Super Bowl. I thought this was football not the soundtrack to your menopause." ~ RAMpage28
Great were going to get blown out too?!
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 20, 2012 4:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
told you all they would eventually move--no brainer
will be back on the coast in a few years…….one less game at the half filled ed dome
good marketing
st. louis is and always will be a football town
Bring it on
While I am sorry for season tickets holder, as a German resident I am very happy about the chance to see “my” Rams at London.
Can’t wait for ticket sale.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Cover the web with Turf
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
