Home / Sports / NFL's 16-Hour Flight to Australia Sparks Fan Uproar
NFL's 16-Hour Flight to Australia Sparks Fan Uproar
7 Feb
Summary
- NFL announces historic regular season game in Australia.
- LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers to play at the MCG.
- Players and analysts express concerns over the 16-hour flight.
The National Football League (NFL) has announced a historic regular season fixture to be held in Australia, marking a significant international expansion. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will face each other at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
This unprecedented game is expected to take place early in the season, with both teams scheduled to have a bye week immediately following the match to accommodate the demanding travel. This offers a period for recovery from the extensive journey.
Reaction from American fans and players has been varied. A primary concern centers on the substantial travel time required for the west coast-based teams. Both the Rams and 49ers face an estimated 16-hour flight to reach Melbourne.
This lengthy transit has prompted commentary from figures like former NFL punter Pat McAfee. Having recently visited Australia, McAfee acknowledged the country's beauty but also expressed the arduous nature of the flight. He described the experience as isolating, with limited internet access contributing to a sense of being trapped.
