The Fairfax Girl Team 
On Sunday, October 4th, Commanders fans will have to get up a bit early to tailgate. The Commanders are playing the Indianapolis Colts in London as part of the NFL’s International Games. The game begins at 2:30PM in London, which will be a 9:30AM start here in Northern Virginia. Read on for everything to know about the Washington Commanders’ London game, including where to watch in Northern Virginia.
The Commanders in London
The NFL London Games return in October, and the Commanders are part of the first matchup on the 2026 London schedule. Washington will face Indianapolis on Sunday, October 4th at 9:30AM ET, or 2:30PM local time in London, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Washington is officially designated as the home team for the matchup. According to the Commanders’ London game hub, the game will air on NFL Network. Fans can also find streaming information through NFL+. Washington traveled to Madrid in 2025 to face the Miami Dolphins at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where the Commanders lost 16-13. The London matchup is the franchise’s third international game since the NFL began regularly playing games overseas.
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For fans making the trip to England, the organization is hosting several events throughout Commanders London Week. The Box Piccadilly is serving as a Commanders FanZone from September 27th through October 2nd, followed by a welcome rally on Friday, October 2nd. A Commanders FanFest is also scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at BrewDog Waterloo, with appearances from Commanders alumni, Major Tuddy, Command Force, + more.
Why This Game Matters for the Commanders
The trip to London comes at an important point early in the 2026 Commanders season. Washington enters Week 4 with a 1-2 record after starting the season with back-to-back losses to NFC East rivals. The Commanders lost 24-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 before falling 37-20 to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Washington returned home on September 27th and picked up its first win of the season with a 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
See more: Talking DMV Sports with Local Anchor Kelsey Nicole Nelson
Indianapolis has followed a similar path. The Colts are also 1-2 heading into the matchup. That makes London an early opportunity for both teams to get back to .500. For Washington, a win would also create some momentum before the Commanders return stateside for a divisional matchup against the New York Giants on October 11th.
Where to Watch the Commanders London Game in Northern Virginia
The 9:30AM kickoff creates one unusual challenge for local fans: many sports bars around Northern Virginia do not normally open that early on Sundays. Several businesses, however, are making special plans for the London game.
This list was last updated on September 28th, 2026. The Fairfax Girl will continue adding confirmed watch parties as local businesses announce plans for the game. Email us at [email protected] to have your venue added!
Dave + Buster’s Fairfax | 11958U Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Dave + Buster’s Fairfax is opening early specifically for the Commanders vs. Colts matchup. The watch party starts at 9:30AM, and the venue is advertising $5 drink specials + 10 wings for $10. Large groups of 10 or more can contact the venue about group arrangements, while smaller parties can make a table reservation online.
First Down Bar | 4213 Fairfax Drive, Arlington
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First Down Bar will open at 9AM on Sunday, October 4th, in time to watch the game. There will be a limited breakfast menu available in addition to the full game day specials lineup.
The Hawk + Griffin | 435 Maple Avenue W, Vienna
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This British pub will open at 9AM and have a traditional English breakfast ready to go for the 9:30AM kickoff.
Patriot’s Pub | 10560 Main Street, Suite 100, Fairfax
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This Fairfax spot will open at 9AM to accommodate fans. There will be food + drink specials all day long.
Shipgarten | 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Shipgarten’s Colts vs. Commanders London Game Watch Party starts at 9:30AM and is free to attend. The game will be on the big screens with the sound on, with food + drinks available throughout the matchup. Shipgarten has more than 20 indoor + outdoor screens and is showing NFL games throughout the 2026 season. General admission for the London watch party is free, and a reservation is not required for general seating. VIP couches are also available for groups.
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