12 Questions with Andreas H. Ubell
Andreas H. Ubell has followed Austrian football for many years — as stadium announcer, football voice and through the CTVau Football Video-Log. In the EFA Talk he speaks about his first steps, gameday atmosphere, Austrian football, EFA/AFLE and the importance of fans.
A strong interview with someone who has not only followed football for years, but actively shapes gameday with voice, energy and passion.
Andreas, how did you first get into American football?
I came to football because my son started playing the sport in 1996 at the age of nine. A year later I was youth administrator with the Vienna Vikings. I watched my first Super Bowl in 1997, Packers vs Patriots, and the sport quickly captured me. Twenty years ago I even played flag football myself and won a flag championship title in 2005.
You have been active as a stadium announcer since 1998. How did that journey begin?
It started with my son Daniel, who played youth football with the Vikings. Karl Wurm, the Vikings president, asked whether I could imagine announcing a game. Apart from an eight-year break, I have been on the microphone in the AFL and divisions 1, 2 and 3 ever since, including with several Austrian teams.
What fascinates you about actively shaping a gameday with your voice?
The atmosphere when a game reaches a decisive phase, a turnover happens or momentum changes is pure adrenaline. If you can bring the fans with you and give them information about plays, players or referee signals, it is great fun. Most important: almost everyone around this sport is incredibly likeable.
What has Austrian football taught you over all those years?
Never correct a referee over the microphone. A well-trained ref sees more than almost everyone in the stadium. The home team is my team, but respect for the visiting team is essential. And never underestimate ambitious parents.
How has Austrian football changed since your early days?
It has become more structured and more professional. There are more teams, the community has grown, the level on the field is higher, the game is faster and playbooks, coaches and referees have improved. The ELF also had a strong impact on the sport in Europe.
What role do announcers, moderation and gameday entertainment play?
You do not simply play that role; you have to live it. A speaker can do a lot, especially when the defense is on the field. Together with the DJ, soundbites and music, you can build atmosphere without disturbing the game. The crowd can absolutely help push a team to victory.
Is there a gameday or game you will never forget?
Several. The 2003 Eurobowl final between the Vikings and Braunschweig Lions with 8,000 extremely loud fans. NFL London in 2016, Colts vs Jaguars at Wembley, was pure XXL. And of course the 2022 Championship Game in Klagenfurt.
How did the CTVau Football Video-Log start?
CTVau was a spontaneous idea after the 2022 ELF final in Klagenfurt. Doris and Franz Schöndorfer from Vikingsfire and others talked about how nice such a project would be. Two weeks later we started. It was very spontaneous, but it worked.
What do you want CTVau to show that normal coverage often misses?
We do not want to compete with the biggest streams or podcasts. We focus on great guests: pros, women who play football, cheerleaders and sometimes fans with stories to tell. Our motto is CTVau — by fans, for fans.
How do you see the current development with EFA, AFLE and national leagues?
I see it very skeptically. After the split from the ELF toward EFA, a wild time began with many people claiming to have better concepts and more money. EFA went one way, AFLE another. I would have preferred one league. Two competing concepts have hurt professional American football in Europe.
What needs to happen for football to get more attention in Austria, Germany and Europe?
The NFL prepared the ground for years, but too few used it. Berlin, Munich and London show what is possible, but once the NFL leaves, professional football often becomes quiet again. The marketing and media activities of European pro leagues often feel lukewarm. That is a pity.
What message would you give to fans, players, volunteers and media people?
Look closely. Do not be discouraged from going to games, at least in the GFL or AFL, and hopefully again in EFA or AFLE when things are more stable. Support your team. Players risk a lot when they go on the field. Whether this sport reaches the next first down depends not least on the fans.
A big thank-you to Andreas H. Ubell for taking the time to answer our 12 questions so openly. Andreas shows that football lives not only from players and coaches, but also from people on the microphone, volunteers, media projects and fans. Football is community. By fans, for fans.