49ers, Rams Take Opposite Approaches to NFL's Longest Road Trip
San Francisco 49ers arrive in Melbourne a week early, while Los Angeles Rams arrive less than 24 hours before kickoff for historic game in Australia
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are taking opposite approaches to their longest road trip in NFL history, with the 49ers arriving in Melbourne, Australia a week early and the Rams arriving less than 24 hours before kickoff. The game, scheduled for September 11 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is part of the NFL's push to expand American football globally with a record nine international regular-season games in 2026.
The 49ers arrived in Melbourne on Friday morning local time after a 15-hour chartered Qantas flight. In contrast, the Rams will arrive in Melbourne less than 24 hours before kickoff, a significantly shorter acclimation period. The game will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue with a 100,000 capacity that has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics and Cricket World Cup finals.
The NFL has a Global Markets Program to grow the game internationally, launched in 2022. The Rams own marketing rights in Australia as part of this program, while the 49ers own marketing rights in Mexico, where they will play a game later in the season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell aims to have up to 16 international games on the schedule, and the league has already approved 10 international games for the 2027 season.
## Why it matters The NFL's international expansion is driven by the desire to grow the game globally. While NFL games are consistently the most-watched programming on television, the vast majority of the league's interest is American. The league hopes to change this by playing games in international markets, starting with the record nine games scheduled for 2026. The success of these games will be crucial in determining the future of the NFL's international expansion.
The game between the 49ers and Rams is a historic matchup, marking the first time two NFL teams have traveled to Australia for a game. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, with its rich history and large capacity, provides an ideal venue for this event. As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, games like this will be crucial in building a fan base and generating interest in the sport.
## What happens next The game between the 49ers and Rams is scheduled to kick off on September 11 at 11:35 a.m local time. The outcome of the game will be closely watched, not just for its competitive significance but also for its impact on the NFL's international expansion. As the league continues to push for global growth, the success of games like this will be crucial in determining the future of the NFL's international schedule.
