If you've been paying attention to the NFL's recent frequent flier miles, you shouldn't be surprised to learn that they're going to play another regular season NFL game in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca next season. And you also wouldn't be surprised to know they've chosen to showcase the Oakland Raiders. But today, they announced their opponents, the Houston Texans, and the date: November 21.Goodell announced the news today in a press conference, across the bay from Oakland in San Francisco, amidst the buildup to Super Bowl 50. NFL.com cited that, according to Nielsen ratings, Hispanic viewership has increased 28 percent in the past five years, and Raiders owner Mark Davis highlighted the strong fanbase in the city,The @HoustonTexans. The @Raiders. November 21, 2016 in Mexico City! #MiPartidoMiNFL pic.twitter.com/qO9hnCCsOS
— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2016
This wouldn't be the first time that the NFL has gone to D.F., as the 49ers and the Cardinals played there in 2005 and set the all time attendance record of 103,467. The NFL's more recent foreign excursions have gone over extremely well, despite the NFL inflating their ratings just a tad. It's no direct sign of an intent to create an expansion team in Mexico, as has been whispered about for England. But it certainly will satiate the thousands of fans in the country.The attendance at Wembley this past year was an impressive combined average of 83,877, a tall order to beat. But given the passionate fan base in Mexico, it will likely sell out. And if we know anything about how these kinds of things have gone in the past, some Americans will win at Azteca.The Raiders are truly a global brand and we look forward to visiting the loyal and passionate members of the Raider Nation in Mexico City.