NFL Draws 100,021 to Melbourne Debut as 49ers Beat Rams 27-7
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 11
NFL Draws 100,021 to Melbourne Debut as 49ers Beat Rams 27-7
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 11
Summary
100,021 fans packed the MCG for the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia, turning Melbourne into a daylong U.S.-style spectacle that ended with San Francisco’s 27-7 win over the Rams.
More than 30 countries were represented and nearly 10% of attendees came from the U.S., with fans paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars and bars, food outlets and security lines filling early.
NAB estimated the weekend could generate A$300 million in economic activity, though Victoria is reported to be paying at least A$10 million to host the event.
The game opened a four-year Melbourne deal, even as scheduling for 2027 already looks difficult because the NFL season start clashes with the AFL finals.
Held on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the event also featured a 9/11 commemoration with U.S. Marines, Australian Defence Force participation and pregame performances.