Italy has an American football league. That’s right, not soccer, but the hard-hitting, “American” football played with a brown, leather ball by athletes covered in pads and helmets who fight for touchdowns, not goals. It’s called the Italian Football League (IFL), and it was established in 1980.
And for the first time ever, the 9-team league will host its annual championship game — the Italian Bowl — on U.S. soil in Toledo, Ohio, at Glass Bowl Stadium on July 1.
The league’s playoffs are underway to determine which two teams will make it to the big game.
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Tailgating and Italian popup shops will be set up outside the stadium, and soprano Mariam Battistelli will kick off the game by singing the American and Italian national anthems.
Toledo’s civic and business leaders are all-in on the Italian Bowl, and they’re preparing quite a lineup of events that will promote Italian culture and cuisine days before kickoff.
For starters, the city will hold a Taste of Italy Restaurant Week from June 18 – 24 to honor and recognize local eateries. Three dozen restaurants will feature a signature drink, entrée and dessert.
Then, on July 1 from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., the city will unveil a festival of lights, food and refreshments, live music and artisan shopping within the Flatlands, right outside Glass Bowl Stadium.
At 10 p.m., as the festival winds down, the city will host its annual Fourth of July fireworks show in Downtown Toledo.
“It’s fitting that the Italian Bowl is making its US debut in Ohio, the birthplace of gridiron football,” said IFL representative Nick Eyde. “Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz traveled to Italy this spring to drum up support for the game, and major sponsors have flocked to this initiative. If you’re Italian American, this is a can’t miss game.”
The Italian Bowl will be broadcast in Italy, and across Ohio on BCSN, on July 1 at 3 p.m. EDT.
To purchase tickets, visit ItalianBowlUSA.com.
