When the Green Bay Packers take to the field against the Philadelphia Eagles tonight, some NFL history will be made.
The Packers and Eagles meet for their season opener, exclusively live on talkSPORT, with Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts among the stars making the 10-hour journey for their game.
Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at the ground-breaking location for an NFL game and why it is scheduled for this Friday nigt, plus why the colour green is banned for one team.
Where is Packers vs Eagles being held?
Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles is being held in Brazil.
It will take place on Friday, September 6 at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.
The game will be the first-ever NFL match played in South America.
The NFL decided to play a game in Brazil to make progress with their plans to grow the sport globally.
Games are also played in London each season while there have been fixtures scheduled in Germany and Spain this campaign.
But first up is the Packers and Eagles’ season opener in Brazil and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained the decision last year.
Goodell said: “Bringing the NFL to new continents, countries and cities around the world is a critical element of our plan to continue to grow the game globally.
“Brazil has established itself as a key market for the NFL, and we are excited to be playing in Brazil and São Paulo for the first time in 2024.
“We look forward to working with the city of São Paulo, SP Turis and Arena Corinthians to deliver a world-class gameday experience for this passionate and growing fan base.”
Why is the game taking place on Friday?
There is no official reason as to why the game is being played on Friday.
However, it is likely to be because of the huge occasion in Brazil.
Due to it being the first-ever game in the country, they will want all eyes on the action, scheduling it for a prime spot for coverage before a busy weekend of games.
As well as that, Brazil’s football team are playing on Saturday night, with a potential conflict of interest if the NFL opener was on at the same time.
Despite a Friday night game being very rare on the opening weekend in the NFL, this will not be the first time that a fixture has been on the schedule.
In the 1970 season, the LA Rams played the St. Louis Cardinals in their opening game on a Friday.
So, it means history won’t be made in that regard, but the location is going to be incredible.
Why are the Eagles not wearing green?
Traditionally, both the Packers and Eagles wear green.
However, that won’t be happening in this match with the Packers the only team permitted to do so, and it’s because of Corinthians football fans.
The Brazilian football team’s supporters hate green due to their bitter rivalry with Palmeiras.
Associated Press report that Corinthians players are fined for wearing green, and only visiting teams are permitted from playing in that colour.
In this match, the Eagles are the designated ‘home’ side, so they will be wearing a black jersey, but the Packers will be in green.
In the stands, there are expected to be a lot of Brazilian spectators, with Palmeiras fans wearing green and Corinthians supporters in white, while those from Philadelphia and Green Bay are likely to be donning traditional colours.
And you can tune in to all of the action EXCLUSIVELY live on talkSPORT.
Coverage of the game will come from Will Gavin and Olly Hunter in Sao Paulo.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
News Summary:
- Where is Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles being played and why is it tonight? NFL to make history but ‘home’ side can’t wear green
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.