Historic College Football Game in the UK
LONDON — Kansas and Arizona State made history on Saturday by playing the first college football game between two FBS programs in the United Kingdom at Wembley Stadium. The event was dubbed the Union Jack Classic and drew an announced attendance of 46,523 fans, falling short of the organizers’ target of about 60,000.
Despite the shortfall in attendance, the atmosphere inside Wembley remained vibrant, bolstered by marching bands from both schools that provided a traditional college football experience. This lively environment engaged fans throughout the game, creating a unique setting for a matchup that took place thousands of miles away from Kansas and Arizona.
Event Highlights:
- Attendance: 46,523 spectators, which was less than the anticipated 60,000.
- Stadium Capacity: Wembley can hold over 80,000 for sporting events, making the empty seats in the upper tier noticeable.
- Cultural Experience: Organizers focused on presenting a full college football atmosphere, including pregame festivities, cheerleaders, and mascots, to introduce British fans to the sport.
The game not only aimed to entertain but also served as a vital step for the Big 12 in expanding its presence internationally. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark expressed a desire to return to Wembley for future games, emphasizing the positive reception of this event.
In the end, Arizona State triumphed over Kansas with a score of 24-17. However, the significance of playing college football at Wembley extended beyond just the final score, marking a potential gateway for more international matchups in the future.
