“We're Going To Be Back” – NFL Plans More Australia Games After MCG Success

NFL confirms return to Australia after record

Goodell Confirms NFL will return to Australia after “remarkable” Melbourne debut. 49ers dominate Rams in Melbourne as Shanahan admits reluctance to return. 

NFL's Melbourne opener delivers record crowd and rock-concert spectacle...

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday the league’s first regular-season game in Australia won’t be a one-off, but players will need to be looked after properly to repeat the success of the Melbourne opener. 

A crowd of 100,021 filled the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch the San Francisco 49ers defeat the Los Angeles Rams 27-7, the seventh-largest attendance for an NFL regular-season game ever.  

The game drew a big crowd to the MCG even with a 10:35 a.m. start on a work day, timed that way to suit prime-time viewers back in the United States.

The NFL’s agreement with Victoria includes a minimum of two MCG games in a four-year window, with Australia identified as a strategic market for expansion.

According to Goodell, player experience will be central to the NFL’s decisions on growing its presence Down Under, and the league will be seeking input from the teams.

“The number one thing I'm thinking about now is, through the game, keeping players safe, keeping fans safe, and then getting their feedback on what went well and what didn't go well, and what we can do better,” Goodell said.

“Everything from practice facilities, the flights, the hotels - they're all ⁠important in making sure. Because if these guys are happy and feel like they've been treated properly, they're the greatest ambassadors in the world for this game.”

The MCG game was the first of a record nine international fixtures on the NFL calendar this year, and the furthest the league has travelled to play abroad.

San Francisco arrived a week early to acclimatise and were clearly the fans’ favourites at the MCG. Los Angeles, who flew in the day before, got boos on entry even though they were listed as the home side.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said playing in Melbourne was a great experience, but he wasn’t keen on coming back for another game.  

“I would like to come back when I'm not working,” he said.

“I like 17 home ‌games in San Francisco. Nothing against Australia, just don't like to travel.”

Red 49ers jerseys dominated the stands, but fans in shirts from teams all over the league were there too. The NFL put on a full spectacle with a half-time rock concert, a military flyover and non-stop colour and noise.

 

The commissioner said the crowd was outstanding and a sign of how much Australians love their sport.

“But I think you know we're going to be back here,” he said. “This is not a one-and-done for us.”