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ICYMI, American football is coming to Melbourne – and not just for a pre-season cameo. For the first time ever, the NFL is bringing a regular-season game to Australian soil, with the iconic MCG set to swap handballs for touchdowns when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams on Friday September 11, 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or you’re just keen to see what happens when American footie takes over the 'G, here’s everything you need to know.
Why is the NFL in Melbourne big news?
This will be the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia, making it a pretty major moment for American football Down Under.
When is the NFL in Melbourne?
The NFL Melbourne Game will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026.
What time is the NFL in Melbourne?
Kick-off is scheduled for 10.35am on Friday, September 11. Gates at the MCG will open from 7am, so there will be a whole heap of time to get through the gates and soak up the atmosphere before the game gets underway.
Where is the NFL in Melbourne?
The game will be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Who's playing at the NFL in Melbourne?
It’s an all-NFC West showdown, with the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Los Angeles Rams.
How to get tickets for the NFL in Melbourne?
Tickets are now on sale, with general admission and hospitality options available through official ticketing partner Ticketmaster.
You can buy tickets through Ticketmaster, or find all official NFL Melbourne ticket information at Ticketmaster’s NFL page.
General admission purchases are capped at six tickets per transaction, and hospitality packages (more pricey, but with food and drinks included) allow up to ten tickets per transaction. The NFL advises fans to stick to the published limits, as orders exceeding the limits may be cancelled.
How much are tickets for the NFL in Melbourne?
Ticket prices vary depending on the seating and package you choose, so the best way to check current prices and availability is through the official Ticketmaster sale. As it stands, the lowest-priced tickets are around $506 a pop – not an outing to opt for if you’re on a budget.
A word of warning: the NFL says tickets are sold exclusively through official channels, so be wary of unofficial resale sites and anyone promising a too-good-to-be-true deal.
If you don’t have the cash to splash on tix to the big game, we hear you. You can still be part of the action by heading to the NFL Kickoff Festival at Melbourne Park, which is set to be a three-day celebration of all things American football. There will be NFL exhibits, team activations, retail pop-ups, Flag Football clinics (a fast-growing, non-contact version of the game) and official watch parties. The music line-up is impressive, too, with Peking Duck, Sneaky Sound System, Kita Alexander, Hot Dub Time Machine, Grinspoon and more taking to the stage.
Who is headlining the NFL halftime show in Melbourne?
The Jonas Brothers are bringing a little Camp Rock energy to the MCG. Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas will headline the halftime show at the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia.
What time is the NFL halftime show in Melbourne?
As mentioned above, the game kicks off at 10.35am AEST on Friday, September 11, so expect the halftime show to land around midday, depending on how the first half plays out.
How to watch the NFL halftime show?
The game – including the halftime performance – will be streamed live on Netflix. You can also watch the action live from some of Melbourne’s best pubs and sports bars.
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