These are the things I wish I known before attending an NFL London game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Please walk to the stadium.

The route from downtown London to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is not the shortest, but it is far simpler than driving there.

This was my initial error of the day.

From Northampton, a town about an hour north of London, it took only about an hour to reach the city’s outskirts. However, once in North London proper, the traffic was horrendous. It took me an additional hour to travel a few kilometers.

Finding parking became a problem. The only parking spaces near the stadium were private, and if the owners permitted people to park, they charged upwards of $40.

Perhaps I should have read the warning posted on the stadium’s website: “Driving is not recommended.”

The bars surrounding the venue are crowded.

—Paul Schwartz (@NYPost Schwartz)

8 October 2022

Before the game, the bars surrounding Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were completely crowded.

I had to wait in line to enter one, which was inconvenient because I was thirsty for a pre-game drink following my unpleasant travel experiences.

Similar to the club store.

Prepare to wait in line at the gift shop.

The Getty/Bradley Collyer image collection

I intended to purchase a memento from the day, so I anticipated that I would be able to quickly enter and exit the club store.

There was no such luck; the line to enter was enormous.

I waited approximately thirty minutes before gaining in.

However, the store was outstanding and packed with unique items.

The meals and beverages inside are extremely costly.

The brewing facility within the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is quite spectacular.

Within/Barnaby Lane

Inside the stadium, there are numerous food and drink options, which was especially convenient given how crowded the neighboring pubs were.

There is a vendor that offers fish and chips, a pizzeria, a noodle bar, and countless burger joints.

Beer and soft drinks are available at nearly every turn, and there is an entire microbrewery in the southeast corner.

The only drawback is that everything is quite costly, with a beer costing $9.

You may drink while seated.

A supporter drinks a beer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Getty/Bradley Collyer image collection

In England, it is prohibited to consume alcohol in your seat during soccer matches.

For the NFL London Games, however, this was not an issue. Fans were consuming copious amounts of alcohol in their seats.

Although I did not have one, it was a great surprise and something I will absolutely utilize if I ever return.

However, be ready to stand.

The majority of spectators stood during Sunday’s game.

The Getty/Bradley Collyer image collection

While you can consume beverages in your seat, sitting in it is a another issue. The majority of spectators remained up for the duration of the game, cheering their teams’ every move and dancing crazily to gain five seconds of glory on the big screens.

It meant that I had to stand to watch the action, which became tiring after a while.

Dress for two different climates.

When we arrived in Tottenham, the sun was shining. I willingly stood in a T-shirt for a couple of hours to watch the game.

However, as the game and day progressed, the temperature dropped to the point where a sweater or jacket was required.

If it had been raining, I would have been really cold.

Expect numerous breaks.

—NFL (@NFL)

9 October 2022

As much a party as it was a football game, the atmosphere on Sunday was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

Fireworks, music, cheerleaders, and mascots tossing free t-shirts into the stands accompanied the music and cheerleading.

While excellent, the sheer number of breaks in play diminished the experience somewhat. There were interruptions for the aforementioned shirt launchers, for past players to make comments over the PA system, and for obnoxiously loud advertisements for hair regrowth goods (thanks, NFL).

It is a lengthy and costly excursion.

Including travel to and from the stadium, the game itself, and a post-match drink at a pub, the entire day lasted 12 hours.

That is significantly longer than any sporting event I’ve ever attended. I was exhausted by the end and could not wait to get home and into bed.

But one that is well worth the effort.

The NFL London Games are an incredible event.

Within/Barnaby Lane

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably thinking I must be a particularly grumpy individual.

Although I have been complaining about the experience, it was still an enjoyable day trip.

Yes, it was lengthy and costly, but now that I know what to expect, I can better plan for the future and make the most of the day.

I am going to Wembley.