It wasn’t your traditional tailgating party but the Melbourne Cricket Ground put on a show on Friday morning as fans flocked to the legendary ground for Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game.
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Week 1
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Over 100,000 fans are expected to attend the NFC West blockbuster between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, which kicked off at 10.35am local time on Friday.
It was a very different experience to what sports fans would usually expect at the MCG, starting with the fact there was an extended security fencing and entry area.
Fans entered through a secured perimeter around Yarra Park and underwent security screening before having their ticket validated, with the stadium campus opening at 7am — three-and-a-half hours before kick-off.
It may seem early, but it allowed fans the chance to really soak up the atmosphere which mimicked that of a tailgating experience over in the States.
Tailgates over in America take place in the carpark of the stadium, with fans coming together to grill hotdogs and burgers and show their team pride before the action gets underway.
On Friday there were plenty of ways for fans to pass the time, with plenty getting in the long line to visit the various NFL merchandise stores.
Merch was in high demand.
Merch was in high demand. Source: FOX SPORTS
There were big crowds for merchandise.Source: FOX SPORTS
There was also an opportunity to take photos with Rams cheerleaders, a 49ers helmet and various lifesize photos of the biggest stars from both teams.
San Francisco native Mike Martin, who has been a 49ers season ticket holder for just over 20 years, has been in Melbourne since Wednesday and was looking forward to actually getting inside the MCG after being taken aback by its sheer size.
“This has been awesome because the people are just so excited to have the NFL here,” Martin told foxsports.com.au.
“Mexico City is a big, busy city with lots going on. You can see a lot more Niners and NFL stuff here in general in town. So there’s a really nice vibe.
“It’s such a huge place. I’m totally looking forward to going inside. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing this enormous stadium and hearing the crowds, seeing the flyover.
“I love that kind of stuff. And seeing how the pitch looks on this huge field. It’s something unusual to me.”
San Francisco 49ers fan Mike.Source: FOX SPORTS
Of course, the MCG has played host to a number of different sports outside of cricket and AFL with the NRL also taking State of Origin games to the venue and Martin, who has previously visited Australia on a few business trips, said the “love of all things sport” is what sets Australia apart.
“I think that actually makes it even better to be here is that there’s just so much excitement,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter if you understand the rules or other details, everybody’s just excited to be here and have this game.”
Martin said he bought tickets “right away” when he first heard the game was heading to Melbourne and will be sticking around until next Tuesday before heading home, with plans to hire a car and travel around Tasmania to make the most of the long trip down under.
Fellow 49ers fans Josh and Gilbert, meanwhile, came all the way from El Paso, Texas and arrived in Melbourne on Sunday.
Fans pose with a 49ers helmet.Source: FOX SPORTS
Fans pose for photos with Rams cheerleaders.Source: FOX SPORTS
They started their trip off by visiting Belgrave and Phillip Island before spending time in and around the CBD closer to Friday’s game, soaking up the atmosphere.
“This is amazing. Your city is way better. There’s a lot more things to do here. The ocean, The greenery,” Josh said.
“We haven’t been inside yet. We saw a little bit of the end zone here, but it looks amazing. It’s one of the biggest stadiums we’ve been to.”
There were plenty of familiar faces at Friday’s game too, including Storm stars Xavier Coates and Stefano Utoikamanu. One fan even temporarily mistook Coates for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Xavier Coates and Stefano Utoikamanu.Source: FOX SPORTS
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, who has played State of Origin at the MCG, told Channel 7 the scenes on Friday were “crazy”.
“It does have a different feel,” he told Channel 7.
“Just coming in, entering the stadium, the festival outside, tailgating, it’s just a different experience.”
Ben Graham, the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl, said the MCG game felt similar to the biggest event on the NFL calendar, with Sunrise reporter Andrew McCormack declaring “We have never seen the MCG like this”.
There were different activities to engage in.Source: FOX SPORTS
Fans swarmed to the MCG.Source: FOX SPORTS
“This is why (NFL) commissioner Roger Goodell decided it was time to bring the great game of the NFL to Australia and particularly Melbourne because of the MCG. But walking the streets of Melbourne this week, it feels like Super Bowl week,” Graham said on Channel 7.
“There are jerseys being represented from every team in the NFL. There’ll be hundreds of thousands of people that just come to Melbourne this week and not even come to the game, but it is a sight to behold, and this is only the sign of things to come because they continue to want to grow the game internationally.”