More American Football in Munich
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 8:00
Herr J

At our first Munich Cowboys game, we met the President of the American Sports Association of Bavaria in the stands - and he comped us tickets to the next (and final) regular season game two weeks later.

We went, of course.  This gave me a chance to fill in some gaps from the first post... with video this time!

First, here's the stadium.  It's after the game and is cleared out, but gives you an idea of the size of the stands.

In the first post we mentioned how the game is "produced", e.g., energetic music is played at each pause.  In this video clip you'll hear the music play almost until the ball is snapped!  It's a pass that gives Munich a first down.  You'll then hear what the announcer does after every Munich first down:

Roving Announcer:  "First Down!  Munich..."
Fans:   "COWBOYS!"   (at about the 0:55 mark)

It's a lot like the cheers that they do for the Bayern Munich soccer team, back & forth with the announcer.

Munich's only score this game came on a punt return, and I happened to film it.  (Luckily, just took a chance and focused on the returner... I got jostled as he broke free, overall not bad being taken from the stands):

One video we knew must be shared is of the head referee, when he turns on the mic to explain a penalty.  Actually, in this case it is two penalties.  The first is declined, the second is accepted.  Followed by First Down and more music.
This is really strange to hear explained in German!

Even more, the second game had a female line judge (first photo pre-snap, second with the other refs):

The second game was broadcast on Sky television.  The boom made an interesting shot with the Olympiaturm:

Doesn't it look like the guys up there have a barbeque grill on the right?

One more video, this time from the first game.  The German national team QB avoids a sack and throws a TD:

The playoffs are starting soon, and perhaps we'll see another game (Munich made it in).  Even if we don't, this was a great weekend activity that btings back a little feeling of "home".

Article originally appeared on Schnitzelbahn - Food, Travel, and Adventures in Germany (http://www.schnitzelbahn.com/).
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