Melbourne is about to make NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers have officially been confirmed as the second team to take part in Australia’s first-ever regular season game for points.
Set to hit the Melbourne Cricket Ground later this year, they’ll face off against the previously announced Los Angeles Rams in what promises to be a landmark moment for Australian sport. As part of its global commitment, the NFL has also confirmed games in London, Berlin and Madrid.
Their matchup with the LA Rams brings one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries to Melbourne. As divisional rivals in the National Football Conference West division, the two teams meet at least twice each season, with encounters regularly carrying major playoff implications. In the most recent season, both teams finished with identical 12–5 win-loss records and qualified for the playoffs.
For the 49ers, this comes during a banner year. The franchise, which has captured five Super Bowl titles and counts legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young among its alumni, is also gearing up to host Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Today’s stars, including Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy, will no doubt bring their own flair to the historic Melbourne matchup.
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Melbourne Cricket Club Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fox said the announcement of the second team added further excitement to the historic occasion.
“We’re thrilled that both teams, the LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, have now been announced to play at the ’G later this year. The first NFL regular season game for points in Australia, and it’s happening right at the beating heart of Melbourne, the mighty MCG,” he said.
“While the date and ticket info is still to be released, the knowledge of both teams competing is sure to excite sporting fans as we move closer to this historic event for the ground and the city.”
The date, kickoff time, and ticketing details are expected to be revealed in the coming months, giving Melburnians plenty of time to prepare for what promises to be a truly unforgettable sporting spectacle.
