MELBOURNE ADDS FIRST-EVER NFL REGULAR SEASON GAME IN AUSTRALIA TO ITS IMPRESSIVE LIST OF EVENTS

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Melbournehas once again solidified its reputation as Australia's sporting, cultural and events capital, securing the first-ever National Football League (NFL) Regular Season game to be played in Australia.

The historic event will take place in the 2026 season at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the Los Angeles Rams as the designated home team. It marks the first time an NFL game has been played outside the Americas or Europe.

The NFL match joins an illustrious list of world-class events the city hosts, with Melbourne recently celebrating a record 1.2 million attendance at the Australian Open and set to kick off the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix with 450,000 fans in March.

The upcoming 2025 calendar is packed with must-see attractions including National Gallery of Victoria's Yayoi Kusama exhibit, the Melbourne Cup, and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Beyond its world-class events, visitors can explore stunning street art, an exceptional culinary scene, and a coffee culture that rivals the best in the world. What often surprises travelers, however, is Melbourne's easy access to nature, from the breathtaking Great Ocean Road to the charming Phillip Island penguins.

Melbourne's accessibility to the United States further enhances its appeal as a premier international sporting destination. The city recently celebrated Delta's announcement of direct service from Los Angeles to Melbourne, making it even easier to get to Melbourne.

With approximately 1,200 non-stop flights between Melbourne and the U.S. annually, including direct routes from Qantas and United, more than 435,000 passengers travel between the two regions each year.

"Another touchdown for the sporting capital of Australia," said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. "Only Victoria can host an international grand slam, only Victoria can experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix, only Victoria can break records with the Boxing Day Test - and Victoriais now the onlycityin Australiatohost the NFL."

More details regarding ticketing, game dates, and participating teams will be announced in the coming months. Learn more about Melbourne's events and the NFL match at www.visitmelbourne.com/nfl.

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Media Contact: Melissa Wisenbaker, [emailprotected]

SOURCE Visit Victoria