NFL Confirms First Regular-Season Game in Melbourne Cricket Ground

The National Football League (NFL) has officially set the date and time for Australia’s inaugural regular-season fixture. The Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, 11 September 2026. The game is scheduled for a 10:35 a.m. AEST kickoff, strategically timed for a Thursday night primetime broadcast in the United States.

This divisional match-up is part of a record nine international games slated for the 2026 season.

NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager, Charlotte Offord, noted the immense “appetite for this game,” while Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted that Melbourne will become the first city globally to host a tennis Grand Slam, a Formula One Grand Prix, and an NFL regular-season game.

Key Commercial and Ticket Details

Tickets will be processed through Ticketmaster, the official provider for the event.

• Hospitality Packages: Available from 10:00 a.m. AEST on Tuesday, 7 April.
• General Access Tickets: On sale to the public from 10:00 a.m. AEST on Wednesday, 8 April.
• Pricing: Standing room tickets start at $95, with general seating beginning at $140.
• Travel Packages: Sportsnet is the official partner for Australia and New Zealand, with packages available starting 6 April. U.S.-based fans can access travel packages via On Location.

Strategic Context and Growth

The Melbourne game represents the culmination of the NFL’s rapid expansion in the Asia-Pacific region since opening its Australian office in 2022.

The league has seen significant growth in Flag Football, which now boasts nearly 100,000 participants across 500 Australian schools. This non-contact format is set to debut at the LA28 Olympics, with the NFL aiming to further leverage this momentum ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Additionally, the 2026 season will open on Thursday, 10 September AEST, featuring Australian punter Michael Dickson and the Seattle Seahawks in an away fixture, further spotlighting local talent on the global stage.

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