NEW ORLEANS (February, 2025) - Melbourne has once again solidified its reputation as Australia's sporting, cultural and events capital, securing the first-ever National Football League (NFL) Regular Season game to be played in Australia.  

The historic event will take place in the 2026 season at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with the Los Angeles Rams as the designated home team. It marks the first time an NFL game has been played outside the Americas or Europe. 

The NFL match joins an illustrious list of world class events the city hosts, with Melbourne recently celebrating a record 1.2 million attendance at the Australian Open and is set to kick off the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix with 450,000 fans in March. The upcoming 2025 calendar is packed with must-see attractions including National Gallery of Victoria's Yayoi Kusama exhibit, British and Irish Lions Tour, the Rip Curl Pro, the Melbourne Cup, Beetlejuice the Musical, and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, with Chef Curtis Stone hosting the World's Longest Lunch.  

Additionally, Melbourne is set to remain at the forefront of the global sporting stage, with the city already gearing up to host the prestigious Presidents Cup in 2028, marking its third time hosting the event. This adds to Melbourne's growing legacy as a premier international destination for elite sporting events. 

Melbourne's accessibility to the United States further enhances its appeal as a premier international sporting destination. California is Australia's largest source market, and the host LA Rams fans will have even more choice to get to Melbourne. This month the city celebrated Delta's announcement of a direct service from Los Angeles to Melbourne starting December 2025. With approximately 1,200 non-stop flights between Melbourne and the U.S. annually, including direct routes from Qantas and United, more than 435,000 passengers travel between the two regions each year. 

The city is famous for going big and putting its own unique spin on events and experiences. The announcement made by Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, and NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business and League Events Peter O'Reilly highlighted the importance of hosting the event at the MCG. With a seating capacity of 100,000, the MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and has the potential to set a record for the highest-ever attendance at an NFL International Series game, after record concerts recently with Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

Renowned for its passionate sports culture, Melbourne is home to more than 20 professional teams and is the heart of Aussie Rules Football, making it a natural choice for an NFL game as the NFL continues to expand its global fanbase, particularly in Australia. Australian players like Ben Graham and Jordan Mailata, who is playing in this year's Super Bowl, have left their mark on the league, further fueling interest in American football across the country. 

Global NFL fans and culture enthusiasts will be captivated by a city that offers a distinct experience, celebrated for its vibrant creativity and the rich diversity of more than 140 cultures that call Melbourne home. Beyond its world-class events, visitors can explore stunning street art, an exceptional culinary scene, and a coffee culture that rivals the best in the world. What often surprises travelers, however, is Melbourne's easy access to nature, from the breathtaking Great Ocean Road to the charming Phillip Island penguins. 

More details regarding ticketing, game dates, and participating teams will be announced in the coming months. NFL fans can register their interest on the NFL page at https://nfl.com/Melbourne and learn more about Melbourne's events, experiences and exciting journey with the NFL via the Visit Victoria website. 

Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan  

“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 Victoria is now the  only city in Australia to host the NFL.” 

“It's a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American Football  played in the best stadium in the world.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans on the hallowed turf of the MCG.”

“It is a massive coup, thousands of jobs, millions of people watching our state - a huge boost  to the Victorian economy.” 

Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements 

“Victoria is the natural home for the world's best major events. All the must-see, big-ticket  items are here and the fact the NFL will play its first regular season game in Melbourne confirms  our status as Australia's sporting and events capital.” 

Quotes attributable to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell 

“Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our  ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth.” 

“Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket  Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is  an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international  footprint.”  

ABOUT MELBOURNE AND VICTORIA 

In many destinations, tourism is about ticking off a list of attractions. Visiting Melbourne and Victoria  is different. Melbourne/Narrm is Australia's cultural heart. Here you see, eat, and feel the best bits of  Australia. Melbourne is a city of diversity with a year-round sports and events calendar, a culinary  mecca, and easily accessible nature. In easy driving distances are the Great Ocean Road, Australia's  most indulgent wine region the Yarra Valley, charming penguins at Phillip Island, stunning national parks and the next great wine, wellness and wildlife destination, the Mornington Peninsula. It's the  perfect gateway to start, end or continue an Australian adventure with direct international air access  and a multitude of connecting flights and cruise departures.

Media Contact: LDPR | Melissa Wisenbaker | +1903 520-3493 | melissa@ldpr.com 

'Every bit different' is Visit Victoria's brand platform which shows how every bit of Melbourne and  Victoria is dynamic, unique and exciting year-round. 

To learn more about Melbourne and VISIT VICTORIA, visit www.visitmelbourne.com or follow on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook.