NFL hype is turning Melbourne into a ‘end zone’ for fans as the clock counts down to Friday’s match between Los Angeles and San Francisco
At 10.30am on Friday, NFL teams 49ers (San Francisco) and Rams (Los Angeles) kick off their season at the MCG, the first season game to played in Australia.
The Rams are the designated home side for the game.
At Fed Square, there will be a big screen and themed shows including the live post-game show while nearby Melbourne Park will host with the NFL Kick-Off Festival running from Thursday to Saturday.
The state government says almost 50% of the audience is coming from interstate or more than 35 countries.
It also says the game is ensuring September is on track for record hotel demand with a 39% boost in bookings for the night before, and of, the game.
GAME NEWS: 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa will play on Friday, defensive co-ordinator Raheem Morris told reporters in Melbourne. But tight end George Kittle (torn Achilles) is battling to make the playing roster. Click here for more NFL news.
NRL END ZONE IN FED SQUARE
Melbourne’s Fed Square will turn into an NFL fans’ End Zone on Thursday and Friday with live NFL games on a big screen, family entertainment and giveaways.
Nearby Melbourne Park will host the NFL Kick-off Festival from Thursday to Saturday, featuring an NFL museum, ‘flag’ matches and performances from artists like Peking Duk, Hot Dub Time Machine and Grinspoon.
The 49ers have been in town for almost a week while the Rams are due to land a day before the game. News and social media feeds have been promoting the 49ers team, and the game.
Former Eels NRL player Jarryd Hayne spent a pre-season with the 49ers but failed to make the squad for the season.
STATE OF PLAY GLADDENS GOVT
Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines says “the NFL is taking over Melbourne this week; fans are coming from all parts of the world”.
“Melbourne is ready for the NFL and Melbourne End Zone will give fans and families a front-row seat to the action in the heart of our city,” he says.
Tourism Minister Natalie Suleyman says her state is firmly in the global spotlight.
“Millions of fans around the world will be watching, putting Victoria in the global spotlight,” she says.
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements says Game Week is “the perfect way” to kick off a run of blockbuster events that include the Melbourne Global Exchange, SportNXT, Intersekt Fintech Festival, Data Center World and The AI Summit Australia.
“Game Week is an opportunity to turn global attention into lasting tourism benefits.”
The US is a priority market for Visit Victoria; 215,000 American visitors spent $430 million in the state last year.
