Williams rocks at NFL Superbowl Wembley
The stage was set for one of the largest sporting events in the UK /NFL Calendar. Kicking off the NFL super bowl at Wembley between the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers, Michelle Williams Destiny’s Child began the day’s proceedings, the American singer performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and guitar great Jeff Beck did a rock ‘n’roll rendition of “God Save the Queen.”
Over 82,000 people attended the Super bowl fixture, after winning only one of their first six games, the 49ers and backup Troy Smith raised the tempo in the fourth quarter to beat the reeling Denver Broncos 24-16 in the NFL’s fourth regular-season game in London.
The American Super bowl was supported by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Commemorating the event a giant inflatable footballer was erected in Trafalgar Square. There were dance displays from the 49ers cheerleaders, a speech by top U.S. model Marisa Miller and an incredibly artistic display from one of London’s leading street dance troupes Flawless, this brought some London cheer to the largely American crowd.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: “The response to our games has been extraordinary and for that we thank you, the fans. We truly appreciate your outstanding support to our teams and our league. It makes us excited about the future of the NFL in the UK.”
Whilst some people used the occasion to celebrate American culture, others used the time to reflect on the events back home in the U.S. “We have to support Barack Obama as he struggles to overturn the financial deficit. He has inherited an extremely week economy amidst the global downturn but he needs to be given time. If he fails we all fail.” reflected an NFL fan.
History was also in the making when Troy Smith became the first African American to open as a Quarterback for San Francisco 49ers.
The party continued till 4.am as members of the victorious 49ers headed to the Mayfair Club in London. Celebrity DJ Sarah Jane Crawford from Radio One Extra kept the NFL/Halloween party flowing.
Party revellers at the official Superbowl after party at the Mayfair Club in central London.
