NFL Melbourne 2026: Rams vs 49ers, tickets, start time, travel tips & MCG guide

NFL Melbourne Game 2026: What you need to know

When is the NFL game in Melbourne?

The official date will be confirmed when the NFL releases the 2026 schedule, but the game is expected to be played very early in the NFL season in September 2026.

International games typically occur during the first month of the season, so visitors should plan travel around early-to-mid September to avoid missing the action.

Where will the NFL game in Melbourne be played?

The game will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, known simply as the MCG.

Located on the edge of the CBD in Melbourne’s sporting precinct, the stadium is one of the world’s most famous sporting venues and can host more than 100,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums to ever host an NFL international game.

The MCG is best known as the home of the AFL’s biggest matches, including the AFL Grand Final, and has hosted countless major events from cricket World Cup finals to international concerts.

Visitors can also explore the Australian Sports Museum inside the stadium, which celebrates Australia’s rich sporting history across AFL, cricket, Olympic sports and more.

What time will the NFL Melbourne game start?

The exact kickoff time hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the game could start in the morning local time in Melbourne to align with prime-time television audiences in the United States.

Melbourne is typically 14–18 hours ahead of the U.S., meaning a 10am–12pm kickoff at the MCG could allow the game to be broadcast in the U.S. during Thursday or Sunday evening prime time.

If scheduled this way, fans attending the game should plan for an early arrival at the stadium, with gates and pre-game entertainment likely beginning several hours before kickoff.

Who is playing in the NFL Melbourne game?

The game will feature the Los Angeles Rams, who won Super Bowl LVI in 2022, and the San Francisco 49ers, who last appeared in the Super Bowl in 2020 (Super Bowl LIV). Both teams are among the NFL’s most widely supported domestically and internationally.

How do you get to the MCG?

One of the advantages of the MCG is its central location and excellent public transport.

By train

• Jolimont Station is the closest station to the MCG
• Richmond Station is another major transport hub within walking distance

Both stations are served by multiple train lines from across Melbourne. If you're using a Metro Tunnel service, you’ll need to change at a connecting station, such as Flinders Street Station, to a non–Metro Tunnel suburban line. This includes services that stop at Jolimont, such as the Mernda and Hurstbridge lines, or at Richmond, such as the Frankston, Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines from Flinders Street Station.

By tram

Several tram routes from the CBD stop near the stadium along Wellington Parade, Bridge Road and Swan Street including the 75, 48 and 70

By foot

The MCG is about a 20-minute walk from the CBD through parklands and across the Yarra River.

Public transport is strongly recommended for major events, as parking near the stadium is limited.

How far is Melbourne Airport from the city and MCG?

The Melbourne Airport is located around 23km from Melbourne CBD and approximately 27km from the MCG.

Typical travel times:

• 25–35 minutes by car, rideshare or taxi (depending on traffic)
• SkyBus airport shuttle to Southern Cross Station, then train or tram to the MCG

For international visitors, the SkyBus is one of the easiest options, operating frequent services to the Melbourne CBD.

How can I get tickets to the NFL Melbourne game?

Tickets have not yet been released for the NFL Melbourne game, but demand will be extremely high given the historic nature of the event and the expected influx of interstate and international fans.

Fans should:

• Register interest through official NFL channels
• Sign up to team updates for the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers
• Watch for official hospitality packages and travel deals.

Why Melbourne is perfect for an NFL game in 2026

Melbourne’s sporting culture is unmatched in Australia, making it an ideal choice for the NFL to mark the first regular-season NFL match ever played in Australia. The city regularly packs stadiums for AFL matches, international cricket and global events.

But Melbourne also excels beyond sport. Visitors arriving for the NFL game can enjoy world-class restaurants and café culture, a thriving theatre scene with a range of theatre shows and musical productions, rooftop bars, laneway dining, live music, and arts and cultural events.

It’s the combination of sport, culture and food that makes Melbourne one of the world’s great event cities, with plenty of free things to do, too.

5-day NFL Melbourne 2026 travel itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and explore Melbourne’s CBD

Start your trip exploring the heart of the city.

Highlights include: ·

• Federation Square and the Yarra River
• Street art in Hosier Lane
• Queen Victoria Market
• Laneway cafés and rooftop bars

For evening entertainment, catch a theatre show in Melbourne’s East End theatre district, where many of the city’s major musicals and productions are staged.

Day 2: Discover Melbourne’s food and culture

Spend the day exploring Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods and parks.

Top areas include:

• Chinatown for dumpling houses, late-night eateries and historic laneways
• Carlton for Italian dining along Lygon Street
• Southbank for riverside restaurants and bars
• Royal Botanic Gardens for stunning trees, garden beds, lawns and a lake.
• South Yarra, Fitzroy and Collingwood for shopping and eclectic bars
• Richmond for Melbourne’s famous pub scene

If you’re looking for budget-friendly dining, RACV Members can often find restaurant discounts and dining offers through the RACV App.

Day 3: NFL Game Day at the MCG

Game day is the centrepiece of the trip to Melbourne.

Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere around the sporting precinct and explore the mighty MCG before kickoff.

Day 4: Wine tasting in the Yarra Valley

One of the best day trips from Melbourne is the Yarra Valley, located around an hour from the city.

The region is famous for:

• Cool-climate wines including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
• Scenic vineyard restaurants
• Gourmet produce and farm-gate experiences

It’s an easy escape from the city and a perfect recovery day after the excitement of the game. You can also visit nearby Healesville, a popular gateway to the Yarra Valley known for its boutique wineries, local produce, cafés and family-friendly wildlife experiences.

Day 5: Explore Victoria’s beautiful day trips

Victoria is packed with spectacular destinations within a few hours of Melbourne.

Some of the most popular day trips or overnight stays include:

• Torquay and the Great Ocean Road for dramatic coastal scenery 
• Mornington Peninsula for beaches, wineries and hot springs
• Phillip Island for the famous penguin parade
• Ballarat, Bendigo and the Goldfields for Sovereign Hill and gold rush history.

You can also explore some of Victoria’s most beautiful country towns, perfect for exploring hidden gems, boutique accommodation and regional food experiences.