I will bring the NFL to Scotland if I win, says Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar
Scottish Labour leader would lobby the NFL to host an American football game in Scotland
Anas Sarwar says he will bring the NFL to Scotland if he becomes First Minister in May.
The Super Bowl LX takes place in California this evening, with over 180 million people worldwide expected to tune in to see the match between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
However Scottish Labour says it wants to be “ambitious for Scotland” and would lobby the NFL to host an American football game in Scotland.
In the past the NFL has hosted games in London and Germany, and later this year Dublin is expected to host a game. The Irish government is estimating the event to be worth €64 million in economic activity.
Mr Sarwar said: “Millions of people around the globe will be tuning into the Super Bowl tonight to see the Seahawks take on the Patriots.
“In Scotland, we have a history with this sport with the Scottish Claymores - and as the NFL looks to expand internationally, I want Scotland at the front of the queue to host a game, with all the associated economic benefits that brings.
“That’s what an ambitious Brand Scotland agenda should be all about - selling Scotland to the world.
“We host incredible international events all the time in Scotland, from Taylor Swift’s Eras tour to the Commonwealth Games and the Euros in 2028.
“Scotland is a world-class destination for live events - the NFL should be next on that list, alongside the investment and trade it will bring to Scotland.
“As First Minister, I’ll work to bring an NFL game to Scotland and make sure Scotland is seen as a world-class destination for investment and events.”
Mr Sarwar said both Murrayfield in Edinburgh and Hampden in Glasgow are able to host American football, as the Scottish Claymores were previously based out of both stadia.
The latest polling suggests that Scottish Labour will not win the Holyrood election in May.
On Friday More in Common polling predicted the SNP will remain the largest party in Scotland on 59 seats, with Scottish Labour and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in joint second place on 19 seats apiece.
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