Story one of ten today, about five minutes for the lot

An aerial-perspective view from the stands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground packed with spectators during an Australian Rules Football match, showing the oval green field with goal

AFL legend Riewoldt commentates historic first NFL game at MCG

The Los Angeles Rams play the San Francisco 49ers in the first-ever NFL regular-season game at the MCG on Friday, with Nick Riewoldt and Ben Graham commentating for free-to-air television.

Why it mattersThis is the first time an NFL regular-season game has played outside North America.

AustraliaMelbourne hosts the game, bringing international sporting prestige and tourism; Australian sports fans get free live access to elite American football.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago

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A panoramic view of the Melbourne Cricket Ground packed with tens of thousands of spectators during an Australian rules football match, with the green oval playing surface and goal

✓ The Sydney Morning HeraldSport & Play

MCG set for historic Rams and 49ers clash after NFL-standard conversion

The MCG is almost ready for the Rams versus 49ers game after an NFL field conversion.

Why it mattersThis is the MCG's first-ever NFL game, marking a historic first for Australian football stadiums and a major test of adapting iconic venues for overseas sports.