It’s football season! What better way to celebrate the return of the NFL than watching the game on the big screen? This year, NFL Canada is helping kick off the 2022/2023 season with the first (and only) pop-up sports bar. Located at 540 King St. West in Toronto, “The Huddle” allows fans to watch the game with classic tailgating contests and provides chances to win official NFL swag and prizes, including tickets to Superbowl LVII!
“We know Canadians are eager to show their team spirit and celebrate the new NFL season together,” said David Thomson, VP & Managing Director, NFL Canada. “We’re elated to bring Canada’s first official NFL bar to Toronto for a limited time this September. The Huddle will give guests the ultimate NFL experience north of the border. Canada is home to some of the most passionate NFL fans globally, and we wanted to create a space to thank them while also inspiring new fans to join in on the camaraderie, competition, and community of the game.”
“The Huddle” Opening Night
On September 15th, The Huddle opened with an exclusive night of NFL activities alongside NFL Legends Antonio Gates, Thurman Thomas and Christian Okoye. We got to join the legends at the private unveiling as they helped open the doors for the first time. It was a successful night, as guests tested their vertical jump, mingled with the legends, and posed for pics with the Lombardi Trophy. Thanks to EA Sports, fans also got to try their joystick skills at the ‘Skill Zone’ that mixed Madden and Xbox gaming alongside other tailgating games.
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Between photo ops and autograph signings, we got a quick sit down with the busy future HOFer Antonio Gates. Gates, one of the best tight ends and undrafted free agents in NFL history, teamed up with NFL Canada for this event because he likes to stay active in the NFL scene, loves Toronto, and believes Toronto has some of the most devoted NFL fans. A huge smile grew when asked about his HOF status; his first year of eligibility is 2023. “Nothing is guaranteed. I put in the work, and hopefully, my resume speaks for itself,” he humbly stated, “I don’t want to get too excited before anything is confirmed.” He credited his fans for helping him stay focused throughout his 16-year career. It was a pleasure speaking with the laid-back legend who holds the record for the most touchdowns for a tight end in NFL history.
What Games To Watch
Fans can join together to watch their favourite teams battle for five nights of primetime football rivalry under the bright lights at The Huddle:
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- Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (Sunday, September 18th – 6:30 p.m)
- Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans (Monday, September 19th – 5:30 p.m)
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns (Thursday, September 22nd – 6:30 p.m)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos (Sunday, September 25th – 6:30 p.m)
- Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants (Monday, September 26th – 6:30 p.m)
NFL fans are encouraged to reserve their spot early so they don’t miss out. Tickets to The Huddle are available for those 19+ at nflhuddle.ca. All proceeds go to NFL Canada’s long-term partner, Interval House. Interval House is Canada’s first centre for women survivors of intimate partner violence and their children.
