September 6th, 2026Fed Square To Become NFL Fan Zone
Melbourne End Zone will transform Fed Square into a free, family-friendly NFL fan zone on Thursday 10 September and Friday 11 September.
Fans can watch live NFL games on the Big Screen, enjoy free activations and entertainment with NFL-themed shows.
Melbourne End Zone builds on a huge week of NFL activity at Fed Square.
The action kicks off on Sunday 6 September with a world-record cheerleading dance attempt led by the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders.
On Thursday, fans can catch the season-opening Seattle Seahawks v New England Patriots game live on the Big Screen from 10:20am with ESPN Australia’s NFL Afters will cross live from Fed Square throughout the game.
After the final whistle, fans can enjoy a live NFL Post Game Show on the main stage featuring talent, NFL analysis, interviews, special guests and audience interaction.
On Friday, supporters can watch the Los Angeles Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers live on the Big Screen, followed by the NFL Post Game Show broadcast live from the main stage.
Melbourne End Zone will remain open into the evening after both games and action will continue nearby at Melbourne Park, with the NFL Kickoff Festival running from Thursday to Saturday.
The NFL Kickoff Festival will feature an NFL museum, Flag Football competitions, guest appearances and performances from Peking Duk, Hot Dub Time Machine and Grinspoon.
Almost 50 per cent of spectators at the MCG are expected to be from interstate or overseas with fans from more than 35 countries buying tickets to the game.
According to CoStar, September is on track to be a record month for hotel demand in Melbourne with CBD hotel occupancy up 39 percentage points for the night of the game.
The United States is a priority for Visit Victoria, with 215,000 visitors who spent $430 million in our state last year.
Game week is also attracting world-class business conferences to Victoria including SportNXT, the Intersekt Fintech Festival, Data Center World and The AI Summit Australia.
Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines said:
“Melbourne is ready for the NFL and Melbourne End Zone will give fans and families a front-row seat to the action in the heart of our city.”
“The NFL Melbourne Game is a major win for Victoria bringing visitors through our hotels, restaurants and attractions and supporting jobs right across our economy.”
Quotes attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“The NFL Melbourne Game is attracting visitors from across Australia and around the world and Melbourne End Zone gives them another reason to stay longer and experience more of our city.”
“Melbourne will be buzzing throughout game week and beyond, with a huge six months of sport ahead – including the AFL Grand Final, the Australian Open golf featuring Rory McIlroy and the 150th Anniversary Test.”
Fed Square CEO and Director Katrina Sedgwick said:
“Fed Square is a place where Melbourne comes together to experience the biggest moments in sport, and we’re proud to continue that tradition by transforming the Square into The Melbourne End Zone.”
“The Square will come alive as a celebration of the NFL, bringing fans, international visitors, and the wider community together to experience the excitement of the game in the heart of the city. Best of all, it’s free and open to everyone.”
