Overview
If you thought Melbourne couldn't get any more sport-obsessed — already playing host to some of the biggest global sporting competitions and tournaments across many disciplines — you'd be wrong. This September, Melburnians are trading AFL for NFL, as the American National Football League makes its debut in our great city with a mammoth match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams on September 11.
Whether you're looking for the perfect place to catch the match, want to join in on some pre-game festivities or grab yourself some exclusive merch, we've rounded up the best ways to celebrate the NFL coming to Melbourne this September.
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LA RAMS RIVERWALK FAN ZONE ACTIVATION
The Los Angeles Rams are bringing the action to Melbourne ahead of their massive match with a high-energy Riverwalk fan zone at Crown Melbourne this September. Soak up the atmosphere at this vibrant hub filled with fan experiences and community initiatives. Try the free Rams House: The LA Tailgate Experience, which lets guests experience the atmosphere and traditions of a Rams home game. Enjoy a giant floating football field, food trucks, live music, cheerleaders, and more.
Stephanie Cheng, VP/Head of International, Los Angeles Rams, says, "This is about more than a game. It's an opportunity to build on our efforts over the past four years in Australia to deepen our connection with our fans, showcase the energy and culture that make NFL football so special, and create lasting connections with local communities. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or completely new to the sport, we've designed a week of activity to give everyone a chance to get involved and be part of NFL history in Australia."
NFL LIVE AND LOUD AT THE WATERSIDE
One of Melbourne's favourite drinking and dining destinations for easy-going good times, The Waterside Hotel, is getting into the spirit of the NFL with two days of dedicated live screenings, entertainment, and of course, American-inspired food and drink across the ground floor and level one venues. The game will be shown from 9am, with six-hour booking slots available, so you can make the most of your coveted seat. Snack on buffalo chicken wings and Dorito-crusted mozzarella sticks before diving into a spicy fried chicken burger and hot-honey glazed barbecue pork ribs. Bring your hungriest mates to share the loaded $68 NFL Snack Platter, which pairs perfectly with a Bucket of Budweiser.
NFL MELBOURNE GAME KICKOFF FESTIVAL
Get into the game-day spirit with the NFL Melbourne Game Kickoff Festival running from Thursday, September 10, to Saturday, September 12, which turns Melbourne Park into a three-day American football carnival. The best part is you don't need a game day ticket to access the festivities; anyone can attend with festival tickets on sale now. Catch live music from Sneaky Sound System, Peking Duk, Hot Dub Time Machine and more; NFL Flag Football clinics; an American food village; a live Q&A with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; and plenty more.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS FOODIE PASSPORT
In partnership with a series of local Melbourne hospo businesses, the San Francisco 49ers are introducing the Melbourne Foodie Passport program ahead of the big game. Starting on September 5, the program encourages NFL fans to check out local establishments offering football-inspired speciality eats. Participating venues include American Doughnut Kitchen, Easey's, Nonna's House, Bunnings and more. Most importantly, each venue will host its own game-day ticket giveaways throughout the week.
"We're grateful to be participating in the NFL's first game held in Australia, and we're excited about the opportunity to build a meaningful connection with Melbourne fans, businesses, and community members," says Stephanie Rogers, 49ers Chief Marketing Officer. "The Melbourne Foodie Passport program gives the Faithful travelling from all over the world a guide to discover local businesses, while also giving Melbourne locals a chance to join in on pre-game celebrations by experiencing their favourite restaurants and bars through this collaboration."
AMERICAN FOOD AND FESTIVITIES AT THREE BLUE DUCKS
Melbourne's Three Blue Ducks outlet at URBNSURF is going all in for the game this September. Across Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, Three Blue Ducks is serving up a special American-inspired menu, live screenings and game-day activations for fans. For brekkie, start with a buttermilk pancake stack with maple butter. For lunch, plough through buffalo wings with blue cheese, mozzarella sticks, fried chicken and waffles and barbecue smoked pork buns. Finish strong with pecan pie for dessert. There's a chance to win a $100 voucher for guests wearing an NFL jersey, plus bottomless waffle fries for $8 per person.
AUSSIE WORKS BURGER AT RIVERLAND
Riverland Bar is giving visiting NFL fans a real taste of Australia with their special menu. Located just steps from Flinders Street Station, Riverland is an excellent, centrally located venue from which to watch the big game, while chowing down on some iconic Aussie food. On the menu is a special Aussie Works burger, dim sum, kangaroo skewers and a pizza dog, so bring along any visiting American mates for a taste of some classic homegrown dishes.
HOME OF THE FAITHFUL TAKEOVER AT TRANSPORT PUBLIC BAR
Transport Public Bar is transforming into the home of the 49ers this September with the Home of the Faithful Takeover. Transport Public Bar will be transformed with 49ers branding inside and out, offering exclusive photo opportunities and experiences at the Home of the Faithful Launch Event on September 4. On Thursday, September 10, Faithful members will pack the bar to get in the spirit ahead of the game, with team rallies, chants, and songs led by alumni for an authentic 49ers experience. Fans can also take photos with the trophies, Sourdough Sam, and the Gold Rush cheerleaders. Then on game day, the 49ers will host a massive watch party for all fans who didn't score a seat at the MCG.
Feature image: NFL Game Melbourne Kickoff Festival.
Images: Supplied.
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