This year the NFL is expanding its international coverage with a game in Sao Paulo, Brazil next month.
The Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs kick off their NFL season September 5 in Brazil and award winning Latin Music star Karol G will be entertaining the crowd during halftime.
YouTube has the exclusive broadcast rights for the game which will be streamed live from Corinthians Arena in São Paulo. The game will be streamed free of charge around the world with a pre-game show beginning one hour prior to kickoff at 5 p.m. Pacific / 8 p.m. Eastern / 9 p.m. BRT (local time).
Karol G issued a statement on the event saying, “this year has been truly rewarding, and the timing of this opportunity — to be part of such an important moment like YouTube’s first-ever NFL live broadcast — is perfect. With my latest album ‘Tropicoqueta,’ I set out to represent the many facets of my Latin culture, something I’m incredibly passionate about in everything I do. I’m excited to bring that same energy and pride to this global stage and honored to continue elevating Latin culture on such a monumental platform.”
Senior director of global game presentation and entertainment at the NFL Tim Tubito added, “it’s a natural pairing. Karol G is a global superstar, American football is growing in popularity worldwide, and many of the world’s most ardent music fans call Brazil home — it’s one of the many reasons ‘Come to Brazil’ has become a stalwart meme, a three-word stand-in for the ultimate expression of fandom.”
He added, “our goal is to highlight the excitement and Americana of the NFL, but do this thoughtfully in a way that plays to local cultures, practices and traditions. Booking Karol G not only excites our fans and pays homage to their culture in South America, but has an impact on a global scale. We hope all of our fans are ready for a historic celebration.”
VP of sports and entertainment marketing at YouTube Angela Courtin said in a statement, “to celebrate this moment, we are thrilled that global superstar Karol G will perform during our halftime show. The game and performance will be broadcast worldwide for free on YouTube, blending the fandom of sports and music together for one epic cultural moment.”
Feature photo courtesy of the Associated Press