Sport
Preview
NFL Unveils Three Days of Music and Fan Experiences to Kickoff Festival in Melbourne
The countdown to Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game is on and the NFL Kickoff Festival presented by American Express is set to transform Melbourne Park into the ultimate football and entertainment destination from September 10-12.
Across three action-packed days, fans will experience live music performances, NFL legends, official watch parties, Flag Football showcases, interactive exhibits, American-style food and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to kick off the start of the 2026 NFL season.
Whether you’re a lifelong NFL fan or discovering the game for the first time, the NFL Kickoff Festival offers something for everyone.
Three Days of Live Entertainment
The Oval Mainstage will host an incredible lineup of Australian music artists, DJs, NFL legends and live entertainment throughout the three huge days. Ticket holders will see live performances by Kita Alexnader, Hot Dub Time Machine, Grinspoon, Peking Duk, Sneaky Sound System, Public Figures and more!
Thursday, September 10
The festival opens with the Official Patriots vs Seahawks Season Kickoff Watch Party, where fans can watch the NFL season opener live on the big screen from 10.20 a.m AEST in a Super Bowl LX rematch.
Additional programing includes:
• Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders and Rams Mariachi performance
• Performance by Kita Alexander
• NFL Live, hosted by Colleen Wolfe, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and legends
• Cross Codes Skills Challenge at the Wilson Flag Football Arena featuring Australian Sporting Stars
• Performance by Peking Duk
• 2026 NFL Melbourne Game ticket giveaway
Thursday 10 September
Starts: 10:00 a.m AEST
Tickets: From $49
Friday, September 11
Game day arrives as the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams make history at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Fans who might not be attending the game can head to Melbourne Park for the Official 49ers vs Rams Watch Party, before diving into an unforgettable day of football and entertainment. Catch all of the 49ers and Rams action on the big screens at Melbourne Park from 10.30am.
Official Post Game Party From Kickoff to Kick-Ons
Fans attending the game at the MCG are invited to Melbourne Park immediately following game for the Official Post Game Party, featuring live DJs, entertainment, food and drinks as the celebrations continue into the night.
Additional programing includes:
• Performance by Public Figures
• Australia vs New Zealand National Flag Football Showcase at the Wilson Flag Football Arena
• Performance by Grinspoon
• Performance by Hot Dub Time Machine
Friday 11 September
Starts: 10:00 a.m AEST
Tickets: From $59
Saturday, September 12
The festival wraps up with a full day dedicated to NFL FLAG, family activities and live music.
Additional programing includes:
• San Francisco 49ers Cheer Clinic
• Los Angeles Rams Cheer Clinic
• NFL FLAG Creator Cup
• Mainstage trivia, giveaways and fan competitions
• Performance by Sneaky Sound System
Additional entertainment will be announced soon.
DJ Ocky, DJ Matty Charles and Drum Troupe will keep the party going throughout the day, hosted by MC Steve Tabone.
Saturday 12 September
Starts: 10:00 a.m AEST
Tickets: From $49
Experience the NFL Down Under
Beyond the mainstage, fans will have access to a huge range of NFL-themed experiences and interactive attractions throughout the Melbourne Park precinct.
Running daily from 10:00 a.m, fans can experience:
NFL Museum
Get closer to football history. The NFL Museum will feature:
• All 60 Super Bowl Rings on display
• The Vince Lombardi Trophy
• All 32 NFL Team Lockers
• Photo opportunities
NFL Academy Combine Zone
Test your skills across the NFL Academy Combine-inspired challenges including:
• 40 Yard Dash
• Vertical Jump
• Broad Jump
Compare your results against fellow fans and see how you stack up.
NFL FLAG presented by Wilson
NFL FLAG takes centre stage across all three days.
Fans can watch and participate in:
• Youth coaching clinics
• Skills demonstrations
• School programs
• The Cross Codes Skills Challenge
• Australia vs New Zealand National Flag Football Showcase
• NFL FLAG Creator Cup
• Cheerleading clinics from the Rams and 49ers
Quarterback Challenge presented by La Trobe
Step into the pocket and put your arm to the test.
Fans can challenge themselves with a series of passing drills and accuracy stations designed to see whether they have what it takes to be a quarterback.
NFL Shop: A Fanatics Experience Presented by American Express
Take home a piece of history.
The NFL Shop will feature:
• NFL Melbourne Game merchandise
• Team apparel from across the league
• Limited edition collaborations
Food, Drinks and American Tailgate Culture
No football festival would be complete without incredible food and drinks.
The American food village will bring classic game-day flavours to Melbourne Park, featuring food trucks, diners and festival favourites.
Fans can also visit:
Dan Murphy’s Tailgate Bar & Grill
Experience authentic American tailgate culture with:
• BBQ favourites
• Ice-cold drinks
• Tailgate games
TAB Clubhouse x The Sporting Globe
A dedicated sports hub showcasing NFL action and Australian sport all weekend long.
Strictly 18+.
Y Series Wine Bar
Enjoy wines from the Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL in Australia and New Zealand while taking part in locker room photo moments, spin-to-win competitions and exclusive Y Series x NFL experiences.
Partner Experiences Across Melbourne Park
Fans can explore activations from some of the NFL’s biggest partners and participating clubs.
Toyota
• Toyota Tundra display
• “Oh What A Feeling!” photo opportunities
• Polaroid keepsakes
• NFL themed content moments
Hellmann’s Huddle
An immersive American tailgate experience featuring:
• Interactive challenges
• Product sampling
• Exclusive merchandise
• Touchdown celebration competitions
Hosted by Candy Hertz.
Topps Pop-Up Shop
Collect, trade and celebrate all things football cards with:
• 2026 Topps Flagship Football products
• Football arcade games
• Trading stations
• Exclusive giveaways and promo packs
Visit California Ultimate Speed Skill Challenge
Test your reflexes, compete against friends and enter for a chance to win the ultimate California road trip.
Team Activations
Several NFL clubs will bring their brands to Melbourne Park throughout the weekend with more to be announced soon.
Los Angeles Rams House: Photo Pass
Step In. Snap It. Share It.
Fans can visit the Rams’ dedicated activation featuring:
• Rams Rookie Card Studio
• Life-size player cut-outs
• Family-friendly games
• Photo opportunities
• Cheerleader and mascot appearances
Additional team activations from the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders will also be featured throughout the festival including mascot appearances.
Stay Connected with NFL OnePass
Make the most of your NFL Kickoff Festival experience by downloading the NFL OnePass app before you arrive. NFL OnePass is your essential event companion, giving fans access to the security and entry procedures including the bag policy, latest schedules, entertainment lineups, activation information, site maps, session details, appearance times and important event updates across all three days. Whether you’re planning your day, finding your favourite experiences, or staying up to date with last-minute announcements, NFL OnePass is the easiest way to navigate the festival and ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets for the NFL Kickoff Festival presented by American Express are available now, offering fans three days of football, music, entertainment and family-friendly experiences at Melbourne Park.
• Thursday (September 10): From $49
• Friday (September 11): From $59
• Saturday (September 12): From $49
• Children under 13 receive free entry when accompanied by a ticketed adult
Download NFL OnePass, secure your tickets, and get ready to kick off the 2026 NFL season in Melbourne. Tickets on sale now.
