London is set to make sporting history this September as the first-ever NCAA Division 1 college football game in the UK comes to Wembley Stadium — and Passyunk Avenue has been named the official hospitality and cultural destination for the landmark event.
The Union Jack Classic, taking place on 19 September 2026, will see the Arizona State University Sun Devils face off against the University of Kansas Jayhawks in a high-profile Big 12 Conference showdown. And if you’re wondering where fans will gather before and after kickoff, the answer is clear: Passyunk Avenue.
What Is the Union Jack Classic?
The Union Jack Classic marks the first time a Division 1 college football game has ever been played on UK soil — a major moment for both American football and London’s growing sports scene.
Hosted at the iconic Wembley Stadium (external link), the game will feature two powerhouse programmes from the Big 12 Conference, one of the “Power Four” conferences in US college football. Both Arizona State and Kansas regularly attract attendances comparable to UK professional football fixtures, with thousands of students, alumni and travelling supporters expected to descend on London.
Fans can already secure tickets via Ticketmaster, with general admission, premium seating and hospitality packages available. More details are available on the official Union Jack Classic website.
Passyunk Avenue: Bringing Americana to London
Announced today as the official hospitality and cultural partner, Passyunk Avenue will serve as the year-round “home-away-from-home” for college football fans in London.
For those unfamiliar, Passyunk Avenue is an Americana-inspired hospitality brand rooted in the dive bar traditions of Philadelphia. Known for its nostalgic interiors, US sports screenings and community-driven atmosphere, it has built a cult following across its five London locations.
Already a staple for NFL fans (see our coverage of London’s growing American sports scene here – internal link placeholder), Passyunk will now extend its offering to NCAA football supporters, hosting activations and themed events in the build-up to game day.
Official Team Headquarters in London
During Union Jack Classic week, Passyunk venues will transform into official team hubs:
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Passyunk Waterloo will host an Arizona State Sun Devils tailgate
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Passyunk Battersea will host a Kansas Jayhawks tailgate
Expect authentic American-style pre-game experiences complete with tailgate energy, college traditions and a lively cross-Atlantic atmosphere for UK and US fans alike.
But the partnership isn’t limited to one weekend.
A Year-Round College Football Cultural Hub
In the months leading up to kickoff, Passyunk Avenue will act as the central cultural anchor for the Union Jack Classic in London. A curated programme of events will celebrate not just the game, but the wider Americana culture surrounding college football — from themed watch parties and fan meet-ups to immersive experiences designed for visiting supporters.
Official Union Jack Classic Tour Packages will also be available, offering travelling fans the chance to combine the college football experience with a taste of London’s nightlife and hospitality scene.
Thomas Hensey, COO of the Union Jack Classic, said:
“The Union Jack Classic is about showcasing the best of American college football and the culture that surrounds it to fans in the UK. Partnering with Passyunk is a natural extension of that mission and helps us bring an authentic taste of American football culture across the Atlantic.”
Daniel Baczar, Partner & CCO of Passyunk Avenue, added:
“At Passyunk, we’ve always celebrated American sports traditions as a way to bring people together. This is about much more than a single game. It’s about bringing the energy, spirit, and Americana lifestyle that surrounds college football to London in a way that feels authentic and inclusive.”
Why This Matters for UK Sports Fans
American football has steadily grown in popularity across the UK, thanks in part to the NFL London Games. The Union Jack Classic represents the next evolution — introducing British audiences to the electric pageantry of US college football.
Unlike the NFL, college football is steeped in marching bands, tailgates, rivalries and campus pride — elements that Passyunk Avenue is uniquely positioned to recreate in London.
With thousands of American visitors expected and UK interest rising, the event could mark a significant step in deepening transatlantic sporting ties.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the inaugural Union Jack Classic are available now via Ticketmaster.
For further information, including travel packages and hospitality options, visit the official Union Jack Classic website.
