Veronika Riepl: A Volunteer‘s life at the NFL Munich Game 2024
A Munich Local with a Passion for Sports
Veronika Riepl, born and raised in Munich, has always had a deep connection to her city and its vibrant sports culture. While her professional life as a banker involves processing real estate financing contracts, she discovered volunteering as a way to balance her structured work with dynamic and meaningful experiences.
Her volunteering journey began at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf in 2023. “It was an incredible experience,” Veronika recalls. “I met amazing people, and we formed a great group of friends.” This first encounter with volunteering ignited her passion, leading her to roles at various events, including the European Championships and rugby matches in Munich.
A Dream Assignment at the NFL Munich Game 2024
When Veronika heard about the opportunity to volunteer at the NFL Munich Game, she jumped at the chance. Having been a Seahawks fan since a memorable trip to Seattle in 2014, the idea of working at such a high-profile event was thrilling. “I was at the first Munich game in 2022 as a fan,” she shares, “but this year, being a part of the event felt completely different.”
On game day, Veronika was stationed at the Gameday Experience outside the Allianz Arena, where she helped fans take photos with the stadium as a backdrop. “The energy was electric,” she says. “From the Panthers cheerleaders to Sir Purr, everyone was buzzing with excitement.”
Experiencing the Game Up Close
Veronika’s volunteer shift ended just before kickoff, but the surprises weren’t over. “Our supervisor told us we could go inside and watch the game,” she recalls with excitement. “Standing in the stadium with over 70,000 fans, singing Country Roads—that was a goosebumps moment.” Without assigned seats, she and her colleagues found a spot in the stands, soaking in the game’s unique atmosphere.
Munich Through Veronika’s Eyes
Beyond the game, Veronika found joy in the many fan-focused activities. From the lively fan pubs to the NFL-branded events across Munich, she was impressed by the city’s transformation into a football hotspot. A personal highlight? Meeting Blitz, the Seahawks’ mascot, during a visit to a fan pub the day before the game.
As a true Münchner Kindl, Veronika has her favorite spots in the city. She often relaxes at the Friedensengel or bikes along the Isar River. “The Apollo Steps by the opera house are another great spot,” she says. “It’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch the city go by.”
Reflecting on the NFL’s growing presence in Germany, Veronika is optimistic. With rumors of Berlin hosting a game in 2025 and Munich potentially securing future events in 2026 and 2028, she believes the NFL has found a second home. “The organization was fantastic,” she says. “You could feel how much the NFL valued being here.”
