Planning a Trip to the NFL Melbourne Game on September 11? Here’s What I’d Tell My Clients First
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Melbourne is hosting the first international NFL game on Friday, September 11, where the Los Angeles Rams will face off against the San Francisco 49ers. If you’ve been thinking about attending this game, l want to hold your hand and be honest with you: this game isn’t just a simple weekend getaway if you are coming from the States.
If you were my client, here are the main points I would bring up before booking ANYTHING:
Brace Yourself for the Long Flight
Flying to Melbourne from the States is a commitment. It’s long, it’s tiring, and it will affect how much you actually enjoy the trip if you try to rush it.
Here’s some of my recommendations:
Consider adjusting the day you fly in. I usually recommend arriving at least 3–4 days before the game to give yourself time to settle and recover from jet lag. Don't underestimate how much a 20+hour journey will kick your ass.
There are a few nonstop flights from the U.S. (depending on your departure city), and I help clients figure out the best routes based on what makes sense FOR YOU.
Plan for at least a week in Melbourne. This is NOT a weekender. Trying to cram it all into 3–4 days will leave you exhausted and likely feeling like you missed the point.
Where You Stay Actually Matters
Melbourne is a big city, and where you stay will either make yor life easier or irk you to no end. When I help my clients plan trips like this, I’m not just picking a hotel because it looks nice....I’m thinking strategically about:
How easy it is to get to the stadium
Your vibe (foodie, culture, city exploration)
Proximity to great experiences after long travel days
Picking the right location can be the difference between feeling like you’re in the mix or feeling like you’re stuck in a hotel away from the real energy.
You Don’t Need to Do Everything
Here’s the thing about Australia....it’s huge. Trying to “do it all” on one trip is the fastest way to come home tired, overwhelmed, and wondering what you actually experienced.
That’s why I always tell clients to not try and see everything. Pick the few experiences that actually matter to you and leave space to not only enjoy them, but relax in between. Australia aint going nowhere...you have free will to come back for round 2.
If You Want an Inside Edge…
Because I’ve planned trips for clients to international NFL games, I created something to help you think beyond just the stadium.
My free “Beyond the Stadium” travel guide includes:
Game Day Strategies & Local Intel: how to approach the city on game day and stadium tips that save time and stress
Local Festivals & Events: what else is going on while you’re there
Good Bites & Drinks: real‑deal food and drink spots (no tourist traps)
Curated Tours & Experiences: unique things worth doing in Melbourne
The “Add‑On” Guide: nearby places you might want to visit if you have extra time
It’s designed to help you experience the city in a way that makes sense, not just check a box on the game.
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