NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded to San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan's concerns over the team's trip to Australia for the league's first regular-season game there. During a press conference in Melbourne, Goodell emphasized the long-term investment in the market and downplayed jet lag issues. The matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground sold out quickly.
Roger Goodell visited Melbourne this week ahead of the historic Week 1 clash between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground, which seats over 100,000 fans. The game kicks off at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, equivalent to 8:35 p.m. ET on Thursday in the United States. This marks the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia, part of a multi-year agreement announced in February 2025. Goodell confirmed plans for return visits, calling it a long-term commitment rather than a one-off event. He noted that tickets for public sale sold out in minutes, signaling strong demand, with expectations of more than 100,000 attendees. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan voiced skepticism at the NFL's Annual League Meeting on March 30, stating there is no benefit for his team despite supporting global expansion. Shanahan suggested the Rams lobbied for the matchup over a potential Seahawks game. Players including Christian McCaffrey have raised issues with the 17-hour time difference and travel duration from the West Coast. Goodell acknowledged coaches' focus on winning, praising Shanahan's understanding of international growth. He joked about using a jet lag app recommended by his wife, claiming no issues since arriving Tuesday. The commissioner promised to ensure a comfortable experience for the teams involved.
