This is the reason I'm sad they've moved the timing of Armada worlds after this year. I'd hoped to set aside the money over the next couple years to fly out to the States and play in Worlds and stay around for a Vikings game. Got to see them play down in Wembley a few years ago, but would love to see a real home game especially in the new stadium. Looks like we're going to need to make two trips to do that now!

On a semi-related note, we all need to do some group activities at worlds. Sadly, I probably won't have the time to hit the football game before needing to get back on the plane Sunday.

Agreed. But what should we do and when? Friday and Saturday evenings seem open....

Group shopping?

Board games (bring your own!)?

MOAR Armada?!?!

I don't really understand why people outside of america think we care about their opinions as to what we call football.

True anecdote, I was sitting in a...uhm...coffee shop in Holland chatting with some of my European brothers and conversation turned a little political, as conversation is wont to do when one is smoking coffee. There was a great deal of America bashing because that was super popular at the time and as far as I know still is, but you know, I'm a pretty good sport about it and aside from the nationalism our idealogy isn't really all that different, when one fellow starts talking about how america is in steep decline. He goes on for a while about his hands and the decline of america when I stopped him and said "Man, this is how you know America is still on top." And he said "cough-what?"

So I said "Look how much time and thought you put into how America is on the decline. In America, we don't think about you at all."

And then we had more coffee.

Many Europeans suffer from a Napoleon complex regarding America. One example is they like to make fun of how Americans are stupid and **** at European topography, but then when you start asking them to name states and their capitals they suddenly become very quiet. At the same time however, many Americans get very cocky about their country which is not appreciated anywhere outside America.

Like turducken, it's ultimately pointless but it's one of those things that the yanks seem to yammer about.

I agree it is mostly all pointless...

I think it is interesting how many gamers hate on sports as pointless, just as enjoyers of the sports think gaming is pointless. Even within each group, sporters hate on other sports and love theirs; gamers hate on other games and love theirs.

Basically, we like our things and don't like things that we don't like... in the end, most of what we do is pointless, so just enjoy life with the beverage of your choice and try not to disparage the beverage choice of another.

when listing the big football cities, you forgot Buffalo NY

Whether its football or hockey, buffalo is the place to be. We all know both teams suck, but we all go watch them loose regardless. And if you openly insult them your in for an interesting afternoon/evening.

And this is why there's an off-topic thread. Bah, unless it's an Eskimos vs. RIders game, why in the world should anyone north of the 49th care about football? Even if it is Eskimos vs. Riders, why should anyone care? Meh, oh well, I guess gawking at wonky Southern football can hold some potential for a type of 'cultural experience'. Like turducken, it's ultimately pointless but it's one of those things that the yanks seem to yammer about.

*All coming from a proper rural Northern Albertan, one who likes hockey and will watch the Grey Cup, but can't be bothered about anything else. Ever. It's also coming from someone who's name is always autocorrected from Vykes to Vikes to Vikings, and that may contribute to the whole hearted lack of apologies in the above sentiment. Sorry.

I went to a fight last week and a hokey game broke out.

I find hokey games to be incredibly boring to watch. Back and forth back and forth back and forth back and forth and not a whole lot happens...oh wow,what was the score 1 to 2. At least there is the occasional fight that breaks out.

With American football the game is never the same as the teams have time to plan a strategy before hiking the ball. Sometimes a trick play can be a total surprise or an amazing deep pass that takes incredible talent by both the quarterback and the receiver to succeed. Most games are still played outside and in some of the most adverse weather. There's been more that one game played in a snow storm. Some times the game can become a quarterback shootout. Other times a grueling ground game. I think most outside of American are brought up on hokey or soccer and feel the American football just doesn't fit the game style they are used to watching. Im sure the rules are also confusing. Funny thing is Americans have embraced hokey and soccer. Perhaps the Europeans just cannot stand the thought of enjoying watching something American made.

And this is why there's an off-topic thread. Bah, unless it's an Eskimos vs. RIders game, why in the world should anyone north of the 49th care about football? Even if it is Eskimos vs. Riders, why should anyone care? Meh, oh well, I guess gawking at wonky Southern football can hold some potential for a type of 'cultural experience'. Like turducken, it's ultimately pointless but it's one of those things that the yanks seem to yammer about.

*All coming from a proper rural Northern Albertan, one who likes hockey and will watch the Grey Cup, but can't be bothered about anything else. Ever. It's also coming from someone who's name is always autocorrected from Vykes to Vikes to Vikings, and that may contribute to the whole hearted lack of apologies in the above sentiment. Sorry.

I went to a fight last week and a hokey game broke out.

I find hokey games to be incredibly boring to watch. Back and forth back and forth back and forth back and forth and not a whole lot happens...oh wow,what was the score 1 to 2. At least there is the occasional fight that breaks out.

With American football the game is never the same as the teams have time to plan a strategy before hiking the ball. Sometimes a trick play can be a total surprise or an amazing deep pass that takes incredible talent by both the quarterback and the receiver to succeed. Most games are still played outside and in some of the most adverse weather. There's been more that one game played in a snow storm. Some times the game can become a quarterback shootout. Other times a grueling ground game. I think most outside of American are brought up on hokey or soccer and feel the American football just doesn't fit the game style they are used to watching. Im sure the rules are also confusing. Funny thing is Americans have embraced hokey and soccer. Perhaps the Europeans just cannot stand the thought of enjoying watching something American made.

Not sure how accurate that last line is. Can't speak for the rest of Europe, but in the UK American Football is growing in a pretty big way.

• 3 regular-season games a year played in London that fill 83k-84k seats (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_International_Series#Game_history)
• We recently had a fan forum event in Edinburgh at the Usher Hall that had over 1,000 people attend, and other events like it took place around the UK (http://www.nfluk.com/photos/photo-gallery/NFL-UK-LIVE-Countdown-to-Kickoff-in-Edinburgh/6a956e01-6271-4352-ad7e-416ea4fa4ec8#start)
• Increasing interest in amateur domestic leagues (http://www.britishamericanfootball.org/)
• Existing UK-based media paying growing attention (BBC and Sky) with new media springing up around the game (Gridiron Magazine) (http://www.gridiron-magazine.com/)
• An increasing expectation that in the next decade or so there could be an NFL team based in the UK (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_NFL_franchise)

I think it's probably just that the only times it's really mentioned over there (based on watching NFL Network at least) is when the International Series games are on. So it might not seem like there's such a big following over here.

Of all the "Footballs". I really like International Rules.

A most delightfully curious mix of Soccer, Rugby, Australian Rules and Gaelic Football.

It's okay Hawk, we generally understand that not everyone can be perfect, so you're forgiven for not liking hockey. See, we're a generous and inclusive people.

-smirks and laughs- I jest, I really do. I spend enough time in the states that I'm familiar enough with the whole 'thing' for football even if the best thing a CFL'er can relate it to feels like the Roughrider crowd (who always make games fun). We have a fair bit of football in the CFL, but like our English language, it's slightly different (IE wonky). I will just sorta mention that 'some of the most adverse weather' is still amusing given that the Grey Cup is regularly played in November here in Canada. As for the 'embracing hockey', eeeh. And that little expected dig at Europe, well, if I want to watch good hockey and not see brawls, I'll watch a European/International game. That way, I get to watch the real Red Machine. It's the delicious import to my good ol' domestic Canadiens.

Sky's from a little city south of me, one with which has a rivalry with my closest city; there's a matter of protocol. If I didn't get in a jab regardless of team, sport, or whatnot then I would be failing to uphold my part of the social pact in the country in which I live. Couple that with a dig at Americans, and that absolutely frustrating thing with Vykes always being autocorrected, and I'd be the bad guy if I didn't say anything

Sir Dave's got it right, but pumpkin spice 'anything' is still the correct formulaic answer for 'best beverage'. And Dras picked out my favourite Football ruleset, if we don't actually include Rugby (which I enjoy, though don't comprehend. Funny that).

On a semi-related note, we all need to do some group activities at worlds. Sadly, I probably won't have the time to hit the football game before needing to get back on the plane Sunday.

Agreed. But what should we do and when? Friday and Saturday evenings seem open....

Group shopping?

Board games (bring your own!)?

MOAR Armada?!?!

I like the board game idea. I wonder if we could camp out in an area and play Rebellion or XCOM during the off days / times.

Definitely more meals though. At US Nationals I got to hang out with a couple different groups over the two days Armada was going on. Including the saddest Columbus stripper at Bar Louis trying to flirt with the Philly crew for Wednesday(?) night dinner.

im interested in rebellion.. dont own it though... must find rebel base!

Downside of Rebellion is it's really best as a two player game. Something more...interactive maybe?

I have Forbidden Stars, that's up to 4 players.

Eclipse?

Twilight Imperium? (If we had 12 hours).

I have Firefly with all expansions except for the recent 2 ship expansions.

I think they brings it up to a 7 player game or something.

I have Firefly with all expansions except for the recent 2 ship expansions.

I think they brings it up to a 7 player game or something.

Shiny! Never played but always wanted to head out into the black...

Well, if it works out, it's an extremely fun game.

Totally forgot... take the station scenario is pretty fun

I can't make it (baby boy coming out soon!!!, but you guys should try One Night Werewolf. Great interactive game for larger groups, easy to learn, and pretty cheap if nobody already owns it ($10-20, iirc). I've played up to 10 with it, but i think it can go higher with expansions.

Rebellion can be played fairly well as a 4 player game with the General / Admiral rules... but it is just not doable as 3 players.

XCOM is VERY fun for 4 players, and the expansion might be available at Worlds!

If only I could afford the plane ticket, then I'd happily bring over some of that Dutch coffee for Worlds.

Actual coffee, as it is probably not a good idea to bring the other stuff.

The Vikings game wouldn't be a bad idea, especially in the new stadium; could be fun.

Otherwise I have a variety of games, including One Night Werewolf if we wanted to organize something along those lines. There is also a trivia night on Thursdays at a brewery not a mile from FFG headquarters if people wanted to do that as well-I have frequented the location many times over the summer. They bring in a different food truck every week and have a pretty good selection of beer.

Just throwing stuff out there!

Heads up.

Its not real football.

Absolutely it's real football.

And why do you Brits keep trying to rename soccer?