On April 10, the NFL announced that the Green Bay Packers would be the away team for the NFL’s inaugural regular-season game in Brazil. The game will take place on Friday, September 6, at Neo Química Arena, also known as Corinthians Arena, in São Paulo.
Because the Packers will kick off their season in Brazil for Week 1, it marks the sixth consecutive year without a season opener at Lambeau Field. Interestingly, this also means that Matt LaFleur has yet to experience a Week 1 game at Lambeau since the Packers hired him.
Recently, a debate has ensued over the pros and cons of Green Bay’s Week 1 game in Brazil. Despite the significant travel required, the consensus is that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Corinthians Arena will accommodate 48,000 attendees, drawing fans from all 32 teams. However, the Packers are the most popular NFL team in Brazil. Given the possibility of a sizable neutral crowd, Green Bay stands to benefit from playing before Brazilian fans. Packers supporters from across the country are preparing to attend, and Brazilian fans, known for being vocal during soccer matches, are expected to make their presence felt, especially when the Philadelphia Eagles are on offense. However, Green Bay must be prepared to use the silent count if necessary, adapting to the potential challenges the crowd poses.
Brazilian fans are renowned for their creativity with chants, a tradition that may catch American crowds off guard. During UFC events, they will chant “Uh, vai morrer,” which means “You are going to die.” It’s safe to assume that Brazilian fans will unleash a barrage of inventive songs and chants, adding to the game’s atmosphere.
In addition to their inventive chants, Brazilian fans are known for bringing posters to soccer games. These posters often have messages aimed at television cameras, players, or even requests for jerseys. It’s highly anticipated that this custom will extend to the NFL game at Corinthians Arena.
Scheduling the NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil introduces a distinct factor for both teams, given the Southern Hemisphere’s winter season. In September 2023, São Paulo was 86 degrees on average, slightly warmer than the typical climate the Packers prefer but still manageable. It’s worth mentioning that this timing allows the team to bypass Brazil’s scorching summer months, where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees.
São Paulo has a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from traditional Brazilian cuisine to international fare. Fans can explore a variety of restaurants serving up delicious dishes from around the world. The city is home to world-class shopping centers and boutiques. São Paulo has modern supermarkets stocked with a wide range of goods.
From museums and art galleries to theaters and live music venues, the city offers a rich cultural experience for visitors to explore and enjoy. Despite its size, São Paulo’s organized layout and efficient transportation system make it easy for visitors to navigate and experience the city.
Because not everyone can secure tickets to the game inside Corinthians Arena, numerous watch parties are expected to pop up in São Paulo bars and venues around the stadium. That will create an opportunity for fans to gather and experience the thrill of the game in a communal setting. Many attendees will be experiencing the lively pre-game atmosphere for the first time.
Whether you’re a Packers fan residing in Brazil or traveling from abroad, attending the game in São Paulo promises to be an amazing experience filled with energy, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.
