Featuring appearances by 49ers alumni and Leeds United personnel, this one-of-a-kind event promises an authentic and exciting NFL game day experience.
If you're an NFL fan then you will definitely want to keep on reading, as Leeds will be hosting the San Francisco 49ers for their first ever team-sponsored fan event in the UK.
On Sunday 11 September 2022, head down to BOX Sports Bar on Infirmary Street for your chance to be transported across the Atlantic for an evening of unforgettable football.
The San Francisco 49ers will be playing the Chicago Bears in the National Football League. Kick off starts at 6pm however doors open at 4:30pm and entry will be operated on a first-come, first-serve basis for approximately 400 fans.
This incredible event is a direct result of the 49ers gaining UK marketing rights via the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area last December and it is fantastic news for all UK fans.
Image: San Francisco 49ers
Those attending will experience an authentic NFL game day atmosphere, expect exciting starting lineup announcements, booming chants, scoring songs and many more surprises along the way.
Guest star appearances will be made by 49ers alumni and mascot Sourdough Sam, who will be drawing raffles after every quarter giving away coveted memorabilia and prizes.
BOX will be providing a new game day menu full of delicious food and drink for you to order throughout the game, which you'll be watching on a myriad of TV screens in the venue providing a fully immersive game day experience.
Image: Box Bar Leeds
Alex Chang, 49ers Chief Marketing Officer, has said "We have been itching to physically connect with the UK Faithful for months so the timing of this event is perfect"
"Our established U.K. fan base is a big reason why we petitioned the NFL for UK marketing rights. With our strong relationship with Leeds United, it made perfect sense to host this first international watch party in Leeds.”
Image: Box Bar Leeds
The event will also feature a live radio pregame show from talkSPORT and Gridiron magazine will be recording a live podcast from the event, fans can expect live discussions and engaging analysis from two of the UK's leading NFL experts.
Does this sound up your street? Then get down to BOX at 4:30pm this Sunday for an evening full of football, food and fun.
Entry is free however all attendees are encouraged to RSVP to the event here.
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Slam Dunk festival’s statement in full as director steps down amid allegations
Daisy Jackson
Slam Dunk festival has shared a statement confirming one of its directors has stepped down, in the wake of allegations.
The popular punk festival takes place next month across two sites, one of which is here in Leeds.
This year's line-up is set to include headline performances from the likes of Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday.
But Slam Dunk has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after allegations against one of its directors came to light.
Slam Dunk said in its statement, which did not get into specifics about the nature of the allegations, that the festival 'remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers'.
They added that the director has stepped down, but 'strongly refutes' the allegations.
The statement then promised 'transparency and honesty' and said that more updates would be provided when appropriate.
Slam Dunk wrote: "We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.
"Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority.
"While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.
"Slam Dunk remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers.
"Our values and culture are fundamental to how we operate, and we are committed to upholding them.
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further on an ongoing legal matter.
"However, we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so."
Slam Dunk returns to Temple Newsam in Leeds on Sunday 24 May.
Clementine Hall -
8th September 2022 
