Kickoff for the Rams vs. 49ers matchup is set for 8:35 p.m. ET and 5:35 p.m. PT in the United States on Thursday, September 10. Because Melbourne operates on a different calendar, the opening whistle lands at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11. Netflix’s pregame coverage begins two hours earlier, at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
Travel adds its own wrinkle. San Francisco arrived in Melbourne nearly a week before kickoff, while Los Angeles touched down about a day prior to the game, according to matchup previews.
That Friday-morning slot is unusually early for an NFL game, and in local time it marks the earliest kickoff in NFL history in the country and time zone where the game is played.
Historically, the earliest international games before this one included the 2014 Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons tilt at London’s Wembley Stadium, which started at 1:30 p.m. London time — equivalent to 9:30 a.m. ET and 6:30 a.m. PT in the United States.
How to watch in the U.S. and Australia:
– In the United States, the broadcast is carried exclusively by Netflix, with Noah Eagle and Luke Kuechly calling the action from the booth.
– Local affiliates KNBC in Los Angeles and NBC Bay Area will simulcast the Netflix feed for viewers in those markets.
– In Australia, the game airs free-to-air on Channel 7, streams on 7plus Sport and Kayo Sports, and is available on radio via Triple M and SEN.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, commonly known as “the G,” has a long sporting history. Located in Yarra Park, it has a capacity of over 100,000 and has hosted cricket since the 19th century, as well as serving as a central venue for Australian rules football and the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
American football has historical ties to the venue. In 1908, sailors from the USS Minnesota and USS Kentucky played a scoreless exhibition there during the Great White Fleet voyage. Thursday marks the first time an NFL regular-season game has been played at the venue.
Both teams arrive after 12-5 seasons that ended with losses to the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. The Rams rebuilt their defense by adding Trent McDuffie via trade from Kansas City and signing his former Chiefs teammate Jaylen Watson, then acquiring Myles Garrett, who set the previous season’s sack record with 23, in a move from Cleveland. Quarterback Aaron Donald briefly came out of retirement but will not play or travel for the opener in Australia.
San Francisco answered with key moves, including the addition of receiver Mike Evans and a trade for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris welcomes back Nick Bosa and Fred Warner from major injuries, alongside star tight end George Kittle. Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy anchor an offense built on continuity, while the Rams are favored by 3.5 points, with the over-under set at 48.5.
For fans following the season-opening matchup, this game represents a bold cross-continental experiment that blends NFL competition with a global audience, expanding the league’s footprint while delivering a compelling Week 1 showdown between two familiar rivals retooled for a new chapter.
