Everything You Need to Know About the NFL Kickoff Festival Presented by American Express

The countdown is on to Australia's first-ever NFL regular season game, and the NFL Kickoff Festival Presented by American Express is set to transform Melbourne Park into the ultimate NFL destination from September 10-12.

Featuring live music, NFL legends, official watch parties, NFL FLAG football, interactive fan experiences, food and drinks, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly entertainment, the NFL Kickoff Festival is the official home of NFL fans throughout game week.

Whether you're attending the historic San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams game at the MCG or simply want to experience the excitement of the NFL for the first time, the NFL Kickoff Festival is where the action happens.

Important: The NFL Kickoff Festival is a separate ticketed event to the NFL Melbourne Game. Fans attending the NFL Melbourne Game who wish to attend the NFL Kickoff Festival will need to purchase a separate festival ticket.

Children aged 13 and under are free with an accompanying ticketed adult.

Junior tickets must be redeemed in advance and accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum four junior tickets per adult.

Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

The Biggest NFL Watch Parties In Melbourne

The NFL Kickoff Festival will feature the largest screen in Melbourne (20 meters), creating the ultimate watch party experience for football fans.

Thursday 10 September

• 10:20AM - Official Patriots vs Seahawks Watch Party on The Oval Mainstage

Friday 11 September

• 10:35AM - Official 49ers vs Rams Watch Party on The Oval Mainstage

Watch every touchdown, big play and game-changing moment surrounded by thousands of NFL fans on the biggest screen in the heart of Melbourne Park.

Don't Miss NFL Live with Commissioner Goodell

Get up close and personal with NFL talent like never before. This mainstage session offers fans a rare opportunity to hear from some of the biggest names in football as the NFL officially kicks off in Melbourne.

Thursday 10 September | 5:00PM

NFL Live

Hosted by Colleen Wolfe, fans will hear directly from:

• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
• Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice
• Super Bowl Champion Torry Holt
• More Special Guests

Thursday 10 September | 6:00PM

Jonas Brothers Live Interview

Immediately following NFL Live, Colleen Wolfe hosts a special interview with the Jonas Brothers, the official halftime performers for the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game.

An All-Australian Music Lineup

The NFL Kickoff Festival blends football, culture and music with an incredible all-Australian lineup performing across all three days.

Buy Thursday festival tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

Friday 11 September

The Official Post Game Party

Following the historic NFL Melbourne Game, Melbourne Park transforms into the official post-game celebration.

From Kickoff to Kick-Ons.

Continue the celebrations with:

Buy Friday festival tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

Buy Saturday festival tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

Key Festival Programming

Buy Thursday festival tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

Buy Friday festival tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

Buy Saturday festival tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.

Download NFL OnePass Before You Arrive

NFL OnePass registration is mandatory for entry to NFL Kickoff Festival.

Register for FREE to access event schedules, maps, venue information and Know Before You Go updates.

During the festival, use your OnePass QR code to check in at activations, receive select photos and videos, enter competitions, unlock prizes and complete required activity waivers.

Your OnePass QR code is required for entry but is not your event ticket. You will need both to enter.

Download NFL OnePass via the App Store or Google Play.

Festival Activations

NFL Museum

Explore the history of the NFL with:

• All 60 Super Bowl Rings
• The Vince Lombardi Trophy
• All 32 NFL Team Lockers
• Rare photo opportunities and memorabilia

NFL Academy Combine

Test your athletic ability through official NFL-inspired drills:

• 40 Yard Dash
• Vertical Jump
• Broad Jump

NFL FLAG Presented by Wilson

Watch and participate in clinics, showcases and competitions led by NFL coaches, athletes and ambassadors. Download the NFL OnePass app to view all programing and how to get involved!

Quarterback Challenge Presented by La Trobe

Step into the pocket and test your passing accuracy across a series of football challenges.

NFL Shop

Shop a range of Official NFL merchandise, collectibles and apparel.

Food Trucks  

Bring your appetite.

From west coast-inspired eats to local classics, the festival will feature a range of food trucks, bars and dining experiences throughout Melbourne Park.

Grab a bite between attractions, meet friends over a drink or settle in and enjoy the game day atmosphere.

Team & Partner Activations

Beyond the football, fans can explore a range of interactive experiences, food, drinks, giveaways and team activations throughout Melbourne Park.

Amex Fan Experience

All fans are welcome to step into Gameday with Amex and experience the leadup to kick off like a pro. Test your NFL knowledge to unlock surprise giveaways, take on interactive practice drills to find out where you fit on the field, and pose for an official player photo—then take home your very own personalised Topps trading card. 

 Amex x Ruben’s Deli

Amex Card Members can get a taste of the city’s best right from Melbourne Park with a special Reuben’s Deli dining collaboration. Take a break from the action with an elevated sit-down experience or grab something delicious to go as you explore the rest of the NFL Kickoff Festival.

TAB Clubhouse x The Sporting Globe

The ultimate sports bar experience at the festival. Catch all the NFL and finals footy action on the big screen while enjoying burgers, wings, drinks and a lively game day atmosphere.

Strictly 18+.

Toyota Tundra End Zone

Get up close to the Toyota Tundra, capture your own "Oh What A Feeling!" moment, and take home a Polaroid souvenir from your NFL Melbourne experience.

Hellmann's Huddle

Step into an immersive American tailgate experience featuring fun challenges, product samples, exclusive merchandise and the chance to show off your best touchdown celebration.

Dan Murphy's Tailgate Bar & Grill

Experience authentic American tailgate culture with BBQ favourites, ice-cold drinks, lawn games and opportunities to win exclusive Dan Murphy's merchandise.

Topps Pop-Up Shop

Shop the latest NFL trading cards, rip packs, trade with fellow collectors and test your skills in football arcade games for the chance to win exclusive prizes and giveaways.

Visit California Ultimate Speed Challenge

Put your speed and reactions to the test in this fast-paced interactive experience and enter for the chance to win the ultimate California road trip.

Y Series Wine Bar

Enjoy wines from the Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL in Australia and New Zealand, including the limited-edition Y Series x NFL range, while enjoying photo moments, giveaways and live entertainment.

Victoria. Where the Magic Happens.

Grab a complimentary coffee from one of three Visit Victoria coffee carts serving Melbourne's own ST. ALi coffee and discover why Victoria is every bit different. Keep an eye out for Magic, Melbourne's very own mascot, throughout the festival.

NFL Club Experiences

Los Angeles Rams – Rams House: Photo Pass

Step In. Snap It. Share It.

Create your own Rams memories with the Rams Rookie Card Studio, life-size player cut-outs, interactive photo opportunities and family-friendly games, alongside appearances from Rams cheerleaders and Rampage.

Philadelphia Eagles – Kick It Philly Style

Test your field goal skills, meet Eagles legends Arryn Siposs and Sav Rocca, take a photo with SWOOP and score exclusive Eagles giveaways while experiencing the energy of Philadelphia football.

Special Appearances:

• Thursday: Arryn Siposs (11:00AM-2:00PM), SWOOP (2:00PM-6:00PM)
• Friday: SWOOP (3:00PM-7:00PM)
• Saturday: Sav Rocca (12:00PM-3:00PM), SWOOP (2:00PM-6:00PM)

Additional NFL Club Activations

Fans can also experience interactive displays, photo opportunities and giveaways from the Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders and other NFL clubs throughout the festival.

Getting There

Using public transport is strongly encouraged.

Train

• Richmond Station
• Jolimont Station
• Flinders Street Station
• Town Hall Station

Tram

• Route 70
• Route 48
• Route 75

Bus

• Route 246

Rideshare

Drop-off and pick-up available on Olympic Boulevard outside John Cain Arena.

Know Before You Go

NFL Clear Bag Policy

A clear bag policy will be in place for the NFL Kickoff Festival

Fans may bring:

• One clear bag up to 30.5cm x 15.25cm x 30.5cm
• OR one clear resealable bag up to approximately 4 litres
• PLUS one small non-clear clutch up to 11.5cm x 16.5cm

Medical and family exemptions apply.

All bags are subject to screening.

View Full Policy in the NFL One Pass app.

Prohibited Items List

Prohibited items include:

• Alcohol
• Illegal substances
• Weapons and dangerous items
• Fireworks, flares and smoke devices
• Professional cameras and large lenses
• Selfie sticks and tripods
• Drones
• Non-compliant bags
• Large flags, banners and poles
• Unauthorised promotional material
• Any item deemed unsafe or likely to impact the enjoyment of other guests

Entry Requirements

Before arriving, have ready:

• Your valid festival ticket
• Your NFL OnePass account

Allow additional time for security screening, bag inspections and metal detection upon entry.

Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au/NFL or by downloading the NFL OnePass App.