The Dreischeibenhaus is considered an architectural symbol of the German post-war economic boom. While construction work was completed in 1960, the economic significance of the 94-metrehigh building continued to grow skywards: until 2010, it was home to part of Thyssenkrupp AG. Today, various well-known companies are located here in the immediate vicinity of the Kö-Bogen – including, since October 2023, NFL Germany. The declared objective, which could not be more fitting for this location, is growth - for the NFL, but also generally for the sport of American football in Germany.

NFL Germany boss Alexander Steinforth wants to further promote German enthusiasm for American football in Düsseldorf.

The conditions are good: nowhere else in Europe there is as much interest in the world's highestrevenue professional sports league as in the German market. "We have been intensively active here for just over two years now. The NFL currently has around 19 million fans and followers in Germany, i.e. people who are interested in the league and American football. That's a really big number, and Germany is currently our most important foreign market," explains Dr Alexander Steinforth, Managing Director Germany at the NFL. Together with around 25 employees, he wants to boost enthusiasm in Germany for American football from the new 600 square metre headquarters. Düsseldorf seems to be the perfect place for this. The city has a remarkable football history: The Rhein Fire professional team was part of the European offshoot of the National Football League, the NFL Europe, from its inception until its dissolution in 2007. Rhein Fire has been part of the European League of Football since 2021, but it is not legally connected to the old Rhein Fire. Even more important than Düsseldorf's football past, however, is the shared view of the future: "From the very beginning of the talks, we had the feeling that we were pulling together in the same direction to make American football even bigger nationwide. We also have many important affiliates right on our doorstep here," says Steinforth, citing reasons for the decision to manage the fortunes of NFL Germany from the NRW state capital.

In order to attract even more people in the country to American football, the NFL is focusing on various measures in which Düsseldorf plays a central role. "Of course, more games in Germany are important. In 2023, the NFL hosted two matches in Frankfurt and the demand for tickets was huge. Another match will be held in Munich this year. Düsseldorf could also be a possible venue in the future," says Steinforth. In addition, various events for the league, but also for individual NFL teams throughout Germany, will be planned and organised from the new headquarters. The presence in Düsseldorf's culturaland city life is also growing: "Last summer, we were able to organise the first NFL Movie Night in the open-air cinema directly by the Rhine. In addition to films about American football, there was an interactive supporting programme and live talks with well-known guests. We took part in the carnival with our own float and plan to be there again next year. And two branded Rheinbahn NFL trams will be travelling through the city," explains Steinforth. "We want to be heavily involved in city life and also maintain a close dialogue with the local football teams. Together, we want to ensure that as many people as possible can experience this unique sport."

Many stunning features bring proper NFL atmosphere to the new headquarters at the Dreischeibenhaus.

FLAG FOOTBALL

The rules of flag football are almost identical to those of American football. Teams of five, seven or nine players face each other. The aim is to carry or catch the ball into the opponent's end zone to score a touchdown and points. After a successful or unsuccessful series of offence attempts, possession of the ball changes sides. The main difference from American football is that no or limited physical contact is allowed.

Children and young people are an important target group with a view to the future. This is why the NFL launched the Germany-wide NFL FLAG programme in 2022. Flag football is the non-contact version of American football with a significantly lower risk of injury. The programme offers the opportunity to get to know and love the game through sports lessons. Two years ago, one hundred schools were provided with equipment and learning content, and teachers were able to undergo intensive training in American football and pass on their knowledge to the pupils: "We also organise regional tournaments, with the winners taking part in the national final, which took place in Düsseldorf last year. We then invite the overall winner to the USA to compete internationally. This is a unique experience for all participants. However, also among the thousands of kids who come into contact with American football for the first time through the programme, the enthusiasm is huge," reports Steinforth. Two key milestones have been achieved with the new headquarters: the NFL will be even more present in Germany than before, and Düsseldorf emphasises its role as a internationally important city of sport.

Words: Dominik Deden
Pictures: NFL Deutschland

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