The Falcons’ “home game” that was to be played in London during the 2020 season has been canceled, according to the team.
“We have been informed today of the cancellation of the NFL International Series of which the Atlanta Falcons were to be a part of for the 2020 season,” the team said in a news release issued Monday afternoon.
The Falcons said they’ll release more information about the game later in the week. The game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The NFL later announced that the entire International Series for 2020, with four games in London and one in Mexico, would be canceled.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made this decision after consultation with the teams, national and local governments, the NFL Players Association, medical authorities and international stadium partners in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“After considerable analysis, we believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one for our players, our clubs, and all our fans in the US, Mexico and UK,” NFL executive vice president, chief strategy & growth officer Christopher Halpin said in a news release. “We greatly appreciate the support of our governmental and stadium partners in Mexico and the United Kingdom, who all agree with this decision, and we look forward to returning for games in both countries in the 2021 season.
“We also thank our incredible fans in those territories for their passionate support of the NFL. We will continue to serve them through our outstanding media partners and by being active supporters of both grass-roots football and COVID-19 relief efforts in Mexico and the UK.”
The Falcons were set to play at the Tottenham Hotspur soccer club's stadium in London, mostly likely against Denver.
Two games were set for the Tottenham stadium, and the Jaguars were set to play two games at Wembley Stadium. There also was a game scheduled for Mexico City, with the Cardinals as the host. But because of the uncertainty of international travel and mass gatherings, the NFL will attempt to play all five International Series games in the United States this season.
In addition to the Falcons, Jaguars and Cardinals, the Dolphins also were set to play in the International Series, along with five teams that never were identified.
Tottenham Hotspur has a 10-year agreement to host two NFL games, which began in 2019.
The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts:
Can be found on Google, iTunes and TuneIn
For more content about the Atlanta Falcons:
Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have a question? Email me at dledbetter@ajc.com
