NFL in Melbourne: Rams vs. 49ers - A Historic Showdown at the MCG
Australia's first-ever regular season NFL game is set to take place on Friday, September 11 at approximately 10:35 AM AEST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in this historic match-up. The game will be broadcast live in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 10 at approximately 5:35 PM PT. Fans can expect an exciting showdown between these two teams in Australia's sports capital, Melbourne.
The Los Angeles Rams Head of International, Stephanie Cheng, expressed excitement about kicking off the season in Melbourne and highlighted the growing anticipation for the game among fans. The match-up between the Rams and the 49ers promises to be a special event for both Australian and American fans. The game will be a great opportunity for fans to witness a thrilling rivalry showdown in a unique setting.
Ticket sales for the game are set to begin soon, with Rams Season Ticket Members getting exclusive access to a presale on April 1. Hospitality packages will be available for purchase starting on April 6, and general access tickets will go on sale to the public on April 7. Fans can purchase tickets and hospitality packages directly from the Ticketmaster website. Additionally, travel packages to Australia can be purchased from On Location for Rams fans looking to make the trip.
The NFL Australia & New Zealand General Manager, Charlotte Offord, expressed excitement about the upcoming game and the high level of interest it has generated. The game between the Rams and the 49ers is expected to be an incredible NFL experience for fans in Australia. Beyond the game itself, fans can look forward to exploring Melbourne's renowned food, coffee, and arts scene, making it a memorable trip for all attendees.
The Los Angeles Rams, as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, have been actively engaging with fans in Australia through various initiatives. The team has been building brand awareness and fandom in the region through events, partnerships, and player visits. With a growing presence of NFL fans in Australia, the league is committed to investing in the development of the game and providing a year-round calendar of events for fans across the country.
The NFL's presence in Australia has been steadily growing, with the league opening an office in 2022 and launching various programs to promote the sport. The upcoming game in Melbourne is part of a record nine international games in 2026, showcasing the NFL's commitment to expanding its global reach. Fans can stay updated on NFL Australia news by following @NFLAusNZ on social media platforms.
Melbourne's Premier, Jacinta Allan, and Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, expressed their excitement about hosting the NFL game in Melbourne. They highlighted the city's reputation as a major events capital and the economic benefits that hosting such an event will bring to the region. Melbourne is set to make history by hosting a tennis Grand Slam, a Formula One Grand Prix, and an NFL Regular Season game, solidifying its status as a premier destination for major sporting events.