AN NFL regular season game will be played mid-morning on a Friday at the MCG about two weeks before the AFL grand final.
The Los Angeles Rams will take on ‘neighbours’ San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Game on Friday, September 11, with kick-off at 10.35am (AEST).
The game is expected to be televised live into US households during their TV prime time.
The Victorian Government says more than 151,000 people registered their interest when the game was first announced; confirmation of the 49ers as the second team attracted 50,000-plus more expressions of interest.
The NFL has witnessed an influx of Australians (especially ex-AFL players) such as Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia), Michael Dickson (Seattle) and Tory Taylor (Chicago) into their competition.
Former Eels player Jarryd Hayne played pre-season games for the 49ers but failed to clinch a spot for the season.
NFL BOUNTY
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan claims Melbourne “will soon become the first city in the world” to host a tennis Grand Slam, Formula One Grand Prix and an NFL season game.
Tourism and Sport Minister Steve Dimopoulos is predicting a “phenomenal” experience.
“The benefits of hosting an NFL game are year-round because the game will convert thousands of international and interstate supporters into sightseers – in a touchdown for venues, destinations and businesses.”
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements says the game will attract global attention.
“That’s why we’re working hard to turn that momentum into visitation – making it a huge boost for our $46.7 billion visitor economy.”
NFL General Manager Australia & New Zealand Charlotte Offord says they are “thrilled” to have confirmed the game which “has created plenty of hype and excitement”.
“We know that there is already plenty of appetite for this game, in Australia and internationally,” she says.
A large contingent of business and trade leaders is expected to attend and forge stronger ties with the US and opening doors for local businesses.
Pre-sale tickets for the game go on sale from 9am on Wednesday, April 1, and to the public from Wednesday, April 8.
The government says there were 216,000 US visitors last year who collectively stayed 2.4 million nights and spent $391 million in the state.
The AFL grand final is scheduled for the MCG just over two weeks later on September 27.
For more, click here to visit the NFL website.
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