The National Football League and Mexico's Ministry of Tourism announced on Sunday that the NFL will continue to play at least one regular-season game in Mexico City through 2021.
Although the deal will be "formalized" at a future date, it calls for the NFL to play three regular-season games in Mexico from 2019 through 2021, expanding upon an existing partnership for 2016, 2017 and 2018.
For Mexico's Ministry of Tourism, bringing the NFL to Mexico has highlighted the importance of high-impact sporting events as a mechanism for promoting tourism nationally and internationally.
Enrique de la Madrid, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, said that international sporting events represent an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and commercial exchange between Mexico and the United States.
At a press conference at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, prior to this week's matchup between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders, de la Madrid stressed the importance of this type of sporting event as a significant economic contributor for Mexico. Even regional destinations are feeling the boost, as fans who visit Mexico for the game often expand their trips and explore other parts of the country.
During the first nine months of 2017, Mexico welcomed 28.5 million international visitors, an increase of more than 12 percent over the same period last year. Of all inbound travelers, 60 percent of those who arrive by plane originate from the United States, said de la Madrid.
He also noted that visitors from Texas (25 percent) and California (24 percent) are two of the most important inbound markets for destinations in Mexico.
"Two of every four of the visitors that arrive to our country, originate from these states," he said.
Although Mexico was hit with several high-profile earthquakes, one in Oaxaca and the other in Mexico City, earlier this year, this Sunday's televised game should help demonstrate that Mexico's infrastructure is fully capable of hosting an international-caliber game.
"The league match is a message that our country is still standing with the strength and pride that characterizes us," said Arturo Olivé, the Managing Director of NFL Mexico.
For the Raiders, this is their second regular-season game in Mexico, following a 27-20 victory over the Houston Texans on November 21 last year. That game was the first "Monday Night Football" game hosted in Mexico.
Prior to this week's game, ticketed fans were invited to attend a Fan Fiesta at the Azteca Stadium esplanade, which included such activities athletic demonstrations, interactive games and more. A Mexico Pavilion featured a "Touchdown for the Indigenous People" exhibit, displaying different types of footballs used by indigenous communities around the nation.
The NFL will disclose which teams will be playing in Mexico after details have been finalized.
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