Melbourne Sets the Stage for its Historic First NFL Regular Season Game in Australia

Melbourne to Host First-Ever NFL Regular Season Game in Australia

In a groundbreaking move for sports enthusiasts, Melbourne is set to host the first-ever National Football League (NFL) regular season game in Australia. Scheduled for the 2026 season, this momentous event will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the Los Angeles Rams designated as the home team. This marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time an NFL game is played outside of the Americas or Europe.

The addition of this NFL game is a testament to Melbourne's reputation as Australia’s sporting, cultural, and event capital. The city is well-known for its rich sporting culture, and the NFL match joins a prestigious lineup of world-class events previously held in the city. Just last year, Melbourne celebrated a record attendance of 1.2 million fans at the Australian Open, and it is gearing up for the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix, projected to attract about 450,000 spectators in March.

Beyond the thrills of sporting events, the 2025 calendar also promises a diverse array of attractions. Visitors can look forward to the National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibit featuring Yayoi Kusama, the iconic Melbourne Cup, and the much-anticipated Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Each event showcases the city’s vibrant culture and ability to host large-scale gatherings, further solidifying its position on the international stage.

Melbourne's charm isn't limited to sporting events; it also boasts a mesmerizing street art scene, an outstanding culinary landscape, and a coffee culture that is regarded among the finest globally. A pleasant surprise for many travelers is the city’s accessibility to nature. From the breathtaking views along the Great Ocean Road to the delightful experience of watching penguins at Phillip Island, Melbourne offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Moreover, Melbourne’s connection to the United States enhances its appeal as a premier international sporting destination. Recently, Delta announced new direct flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne, a development that makes traveling to the city more convenient than ever. Annually, approximately 1,200 non-stop flights operate between Melbourne and the U.S., including routes provided by Qantas and United. These flights facilitate the movement of over 435,000 passengers each year, further bridging the gap between these two regions.

Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan, expressed her enthusiasm: “Another touchdown for the sporting capital of Australia. Only Victoria can host an international grand slam, only Victoria can experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix, only Victoria can break records with the Boxing Day Test – and now, we are the only city in Australia to host the NFL.”

As anticipation builds for this historic NFL game, more details regarding ticketing, game dates, and participating teams are expected to be announced in the coming months. For those interested in learning more about Melbourne's vibrant events and the NFL match, they can visit the dedicated site at Visit Melbourne NFL.

About Melbourne and Visit Victoria

Melbourne, known for its dynamic culture and cultural richness, falls under Visit Victoria’s campaign, "Every bit different." This platform highlights the unique and exciting experiences that Melbourne and Victoria have to offer year-round. To discover more about Melbourne and its tourist offerings, one can explore Visit Victoria’s website or follow their social media channels on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.