Houston is bringing a taste of Texas to London this week as the city’s beloved NFL team, the Houston Texans, prepares to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 18 October. Visit Houston, the city’s official tourism board, will be joining the celebrations alongside the Texans and their loyal travelling fanbase for a weekend of events across the capital, culminating in the highly anticipated NFL showdown.
Ahead of kick-off, London will be getting into the Texans spirit with a series of exciting activations featuring the team’s much-loved mascot TORO, Texans Cheerleaders, former players and the ‘Traveling Texans’, the dedicated fans who follow the team to away games.
The celebrations will kick off on Thursday 15 October, when London’s Redwood Pub at London Bridge transforms into the Texans Bull Pen London. From 5pm to 10pm, fans can soak up the atmosphere with special appearances from Texans Legends Andre Johnson and Travis Johnson, TORO and the Texans Cheerleaders. A dedicated Texans merchandise pop-up will also open at the pub from 11am, with free entry for fans looking to join the festivities.
On Friday 16 October, the Texans will take their London takeover to new heights with a daring stunt at the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. At 11am, TORO will make an appearance at the top of the 114-metre-tall landmark, waving the Houston Texans flag across the London skyline before abseiling down the structure in a spectacular display ahead of Sunday’s game. Fans are invited to join the excitement, with on-site activations taking place from 10.30am to 12.30pm and the chance to celebrate with TORO following his stunt.
The festivities continue on Saturday 17 October, when the Traveling Texans will descend on Tower Bridge Overlook for a special group photograph against one of London’s most recognisable backdrops. Taking place between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, the gathering will bring together travelling fans, TORO and the Texans Cheerleaders in a show of Houston pride ahead of the big game.
The weekend will culminate on Sunday 18 October, as the Houston Texans face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, bringing the energy and excitement of American football to the heart of London. For Visit Houston, the occasion offers an opportunity to showcase the city’s sporting spirit and vibrant culture to UK audiences, bringing a little of H-Town to the capital.
