The San Francisco 49ers want to build on the first-of-its-kind watch party held in the UK by utilising their close ties with Leeds United.
Former Leeds stars Jermaine Beckford and Ben Parker were in the crowd as hundreds of NFL fans attended the Avery Dennison Watch Party at the BOX sports Bar in the heart of Leeds city centre on Sunday.
Even though the 49ers were unable to produce a victory over the Atlanta Falcons, the enthralling fixture helped create a fantastic atmosphere.
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Beckford and Parker mixed with the UK Faithful of the Niners, as did Leeds fan and TV presenter Emma Jones. The 49ers’ former kicker Joe Nedney and mascot Sourdough Sam were part of the contingent to have travelled from Santa Clara for the event.
Allie Dicken, the 49ers’ Brand & Influencer Marketing Director, said: "Our first ever international watch party presented by Avery Dennison was a huge success.
"It was incredible to see the UK Faithful who travelled from near and far, as well as Leeds locals we were able to introduce to 49ers football.
"Sky Sports, Gridiron, and talkSPORT did a tremendous job covering the experience to give those at home a glimpse into the electric atmosphere. We look forward to building off this experience to create more opportunities for the UK to engage with our team."
Sky Sports filmed live from the watch party with presenter Phoebe Schecter joining talkSPORT’s Will Gavin and Gridiron magazine’s Ollie Connolly at BOX.
The gathering followed the 49ers representatives’ visit to Elland Road for the Premier League game with Arsenal earlier in the day.
Nedney went to pitchside before the Gunners match to chat with Leeds legends Tony Dorigo and Michael Bridges. He also spoke to fans inside the stadium before watching the game and heading over to BOX for the watch party.
Beckford, who wore a 49ers shirt, told Sky Sports: "What a fantastic atmosphere (at the watch party), electric. The game was unbelievable for the way the 49ers came back into it.
"What a place, what an atmosphere and what a game. I loved being there. The awareness being created between the 49ers and Leeds United is fantastic. I am excited by it."
The first international watch party is on the back of the 49ers obtaining UK marketing rights via the NFL's International Home Marketing Area (IHMA) programme last December.
Fans in attendance got to experience an authentic NFL game day atmosphere inclusive of starting line-up announcements, chants and scoring songs.
At the end of each quarter there were raffles featuring 49ers prizes and memorabilia. There was also food and drinks from a limited gameday menu.
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