From test cricket marathons to the NFL: Melbourne's MCG readies for Rams-49ers

Melbourne’s iconic MCG—often called “The G”—will host the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers season opener, marking the NFL’s first game in Australia this year. With a capacity of 100,000, the venue has long been a stage for major sports and events, including test cricket over nearly 150 years, Australian rules football, the Olympics, Cricket World Cup finals, and even high-profile concerts and a Papal mass. Established in 1853, the MCG was chosen after the NFL’s bid process across Australian states, with officials citing its downtown proximity, history, and scale. NFL Australia/New Zealand GM Charlotte Offord described it as a “no-brainer.”