The countdown has begun as Hounslow puts the finishing touches in place to host its first ever NFL American Football match this weekend.

Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby, will host the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (October 23) for the NFL International Series.

Hounslow Council has been working closely with Richmond council, Twickenham Stadium, NFL and the RFU as there will be a number of changes to transport plus road closures in the area, due to pre-match and post-match activities including the 'tailgate' party.

The traditional 'tailgate' event runs from 9.30am-8pm on the day, taking place in the stadium's West Car Park, extending onto the South Piazza and with activities also outside along Whitton Road.

Match highlights will be on the big screen, while visitors can also buy merchandise and visit an "America-themed" village.

Residents can access the 'tailgate' party via the search gates by the Rugby Store, however access is subject to crowd numbers.

The game between the Los Angeles Rams (pictured) and New York Giants will be the first of up to five NFL matches to be played at Twickenham Stadium under a three-year deal

Road closures

  • Road closures will be in place between 10am and 8pm (earlier if safe to do so) and extended on Whitton Road between Talma Gardens and the A316 (north) as well as on Rugby Road between Varsity Drive and the A316 (north).
  • There will be managed access for residents and businesses only throughout the closed off area, with entry and exit via Whitton Road by Chase Bridge School and via Rugby Road from Mogden Lane.
  • Best travel times for residents will be before 11am and during the game (2.30pm to 6pm)
  • Usual road closures as on rugby match days will be in place on Whitton Road (south) and London Road from 11.30am until 2.30pm then again from 5.30pm/6pm until it is safe to reopen.
  • No through traffic on Whitton Road (north) and Rugby Road.
  • Normal event day Community Parking Zone (R Zone) will be in operation from 9am to 9pm.

Councillor Corinna Smart, cabinet member for public health and leisure at Hounslow Council, said: “This is a very exciting event indeed to have taking place on our doorstep.

“The success of the Rugby World Cup 2015 showed just how much people of all ages welcomed the chance to experience a major sporting event near to where they live.

“As always, the organisation around the match has been carried out to ensure that residents and visitors' safety is a priority and any changes to transport or road closures around the stadium, are kept to a minimum. It should be a great spectacle.”

Transport changes

  • A free shuttle bus will also be in place to take fans to Waterloo station located in one lane on the A316 between the Winning Post and London Road roundabout from 3pm.
  • 50 shuttle bus services will see extra services to Hounslow and Richmond as well as dedicated Waterloo shuttle.
  • Increased South West Trains rail services as well as more Tube services on the Piccadilly and District lines as well as park and ride will be in operation
  • Private hire and taxis in London Road, Cole Road and Cole Park Road
  • Bus routes 267, 281 and 481 will be placed on diversion

A Transport for London spokesman said: "While public transport as well as traffic may be busier than usual in the area at the time of the game, London’s transport network is efficient, reliable and resilient and Transport for London is well practiced at managing large and popular events such as the NFL match at Twickenham.

"It will cause minimal impact on our already extensive services in the area."

Kickoff is at 2.30pm with the game ending at around 6pm.

getwestlondonreported last year how the RFU had struck a three-year deal with the NFL to stage up to five American football games at Twickenham from October 2016.