The Indianapolis Colts are giving Munich football fans a free way into NFL weekend even though the team is not playing in the city, opening a three-day FanZone at the Weißes Bräuhaus in the city center, FootballR reported. Admission to the FanZone and all of its scheduled events is free; only the Sunday Weißwurst breakfast carries a charge.
The Colts, together with global partner Lucas Oil, run the FanZone from Thursday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Nov. 15, at Weißes Bräuhaus, Tal 7, 80331 Munich, with one additional event at the NFL Shop in the city on Thursday. All times are local Munich time (CET, UTC+1). The program runs alongside the NFL’s Munich game at the Allianz Arena, where the New England Patriots face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 3:30 p.m.
FanZone kicks off Thursday with mascot Blue at the NFL Shop
On Thursday, Nov. 12, at 4:00 p.m., the Colts’ mascot, Blue, holds a meet and greet at the NFL Shop in Munich. The same hour marks the sales launch of a limited Colts collection by Lobster & Lemonade, giving fans a chance to buy the merchandise on the spot.
Official opening Friday evening at Weißes Bräuhaus
The FanZone officially opens on Friday, Nov. 13, from 6:00 to 11:30 p.m. at the Weißes Bräuhaus. The team describes the evening as a gathering for football fans, with fan meetups, football-themed activities and a shared start into the NFL weekend. Entry is free.
Björn Werner headlines Saturday fan pub party
The highlight of the weekend arrives Saturday night. From 7:00 to 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, the Colts host a large fan pub party at the Weißes Bräuhaus featuring former players, entertainment and participatory activities.
The draw for German-speaking fans is Björn Werner. The former Colts defensive end was selected by Indianapolis in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and is now one of Germany’s best-known football analysts. Returning to Munich as an international ambassador of his former franchise, Werner appears Saturday for a meet and greet and an autograph session. Mascot Blue is also present, and performances by the Colts cheerleaders are scheduled. A fan quiz, promotional giveaways, photo opportunities and drink specials round out the program.
Sunday pairs paid Weißwurst breakfast with Colts-Dolphins watch party
Sunday, Nov. 15, brings two events. The Weißwurst breakfast is the only paid item on the schedule; entry to the FanZone and the announced events remains free. In the evening, fans gather at the Weißes Bräuhaus for a watch party of the Colts’ regular-season home game against the Miami Dolphins in Indianapolis.
The timing creates a split-screen day for Munich: while the Patriots and Lions play at the Allianz Arena at 3:30 p.m., the Colts are on the field at home against Miami, and Colts fans in Germany can follow that game together at the FanZone.
Part of the NFL’s push to grow the fan base in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
For the Colts, the Munich FanZone is not a one-off. The franchise says the event is part of its long-term international activities, and Germany, Austria and Switzerland are among the markets where the team wants to expand its fan base under the NFL Global Markets Program.
Fans can register for the FanZone on the Colts’ official website, which also runs a raffle for a Colts jersey signed by Björn Werner. For football fans without a ticket to the Allianz Arena, the team says the FanZone offers a free way to experience the NFL weekend in Munich up close.
Munich FanZone schedule: what fans need to know
Where do the events take place? All FanZone events take place at Weißes Bräuhaus, Tal 7, 80331 Munich, except Thursday’s meet and greet with Blue, which is at the NFL Shop in Munich.
Is admission really free? Yes. Entry to the FanZone and the announced events is free; only the Weißwurst breakfast on Sunday is paid.
When can fans meet Björn Werner? Werner appears Saturday, Nov. 14, during the 7:00 to 11:30 p.m. fan pub party for a meet and greet and autograph session.
Which game is shown on the watch party screen? The Colts’ home game against the Miami Dolphins, played in Indianapolis on Sunday evening while the Patriots face the Lions in Munich.
The next dated event on the schedule is the Sunday, Nov. 15, watch party at the Weißes Bräuhaus, following the 3:30 p.m. Patriots-Lions game at the Allianz Arena.
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