Wembley welcomes 'rabid' college football fans

Wembley Stadium welcomed raucous college football fans on Saturday for the inaugural Union Jack Classic, a unique American football match played in London. The game, hosted by the Kansas Jayhawks and Arizona State Sun Devils, drew 46,523 fans to Wembley, just shy of the initial target of 60,000 attendees. The rivalry between the two teams added to the excitement, with Kansas fans chanting "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk" and Arizona State supporters responding with "ASU, ASU."

Tailgate parties, a staple of college football, were held hours before kickoff, featuring food, drink, and live music. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from 35 countries attending, including many US passport holders who had never traveled abroad before. Organizers of the Union Jack Classic aimed to replicate the authentic college gameday experience in London, and they succeeded in creating a passionate and colorful atmosphere.

Despite the game's modest score, fans from both teams expressed that their experience was unforgettable. Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark expressed his enthusiasm for the event, indicating that other Big 12 colleges may follow suit and play in London in the future.