Melbourne has turned it on for the historic NFL regular-season clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, with a massive crowd on hand at a sold-out MCG.
About 100,000 fans packed Australia’s largest stadium, which was bathed in brilliant sunshine as die-hard supporters and theatre-goers alike came from all corners to fill the precinct.
It will likely be the second-biggest international crowd in NFL history, and the league’s seventh-highest regular-season attendance of all-time.
Thousands more filled venues across the road at Melbourne Park for the NFL Kickoff Festival, as well as in bars that opened early around the city.
Former AFL and NFL star Ben Graham – the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl, in 2009 – said the atmosphere was reminiscent of the biggest week on the American league’s calendar.
“This is why Commissioner (Roger) Goodell decided it was time to bring the great game of the NFL to Australia and particularly Melbourne – because of the MCG,” Graham said on Seven.
“Walking the streets of Melbourne this week, it feels like Super Bowl week. There are jerseys being represented from every team in the NFL.
“There’ll be hundreds of thousands of people that just come to Melbourne this week and not even come to the game.
“But it is a sight to behold and this is only the sign of things to come because they continue to want to grow the game internationally.”
Fans were flooding into the Melbourne sports precinct hours before the unusual 10.35am start time on Friday, which was designed specifically so the game can be broadcast in prime time in the United States.
Loyalties appeared evenly split between on entry, with Rams and 49ers merchandise most visible among a wide variety NFL team jerseys and caps.
But it was evident when the fierce NFC West rivals ran out for their warm-ups about an hour before kickoff that designated “away” team San Francisco was the favoured side.
KYREN WILLIAMS WITH THE FIRST TD IN MELBOURNE 🇦🇺
SFvsLAR on Netflix pic.twitter.com/CjFycKPGBm
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2026
The NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia is expected to pump $300 million into the Victorian economy.
Brock Purdy’s Niners were greeted by a wave of vocal support, while the Matthew Stafford-led Rams attracted a smattering of cheers amid the chorus of boos.
–AAP
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