Patriots Fans Fill Munich Ahead of NFL Showdown

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel tapped a beer keg and raised a mug at Augustiner Stammhaus in Munich on November 14, as hundreds of fans chanted for the team. The gathering, dubbed “Novemberfest” by locals, was part of a weekend of events before New England faces the Detroit Lions at Allianz Arena on November 15.

Fans wearing gear from teams across the NFL filled Munich’s Old City. Germany has about 20 million football fans, the league estimates, including 3.5 million who follow the sport avidly. The Patriots are among the teams with an established following, helped by their success during Tom Brady’s tenure and German-born former player Sebastian Vollmer.

The Patriots have held exclusive marketing rights in Germany since 2022 and have since expanded those rights to Austria and Switzerland. The NFL now allows 11 teams to market in Germany, more than in any other country. New England also opened a branded flag-football field in Düsseldorf in 2025 as part of efforts to introduce the sport to young people.

For some fans, the game is a major trip: Rene Zeigert traveled five hours by train to Munich. He said places to watch the Super Bowl in his hometown of Berne had multiplied over the past five years. The Patriots are seeking a stronger showing than their 10-6 loss to the Colts in Frankfurt in 2023. A win could help the team sustain its standing with German fans, while supporters hope to see New England improve on its 45-27 loss to Green Bay last week.