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Stanford's Aussie Game: 49ers' NFL Debut Blueprint
8 Sep
Summary
- Stanford's 2017 trip to Australia provides a roadmap for the 49ers' NFL game.
- Coach Pritchard highlighted adjusting to time difference and early arrival.
- Five NCAA or NFL games have occurred in Australia prior to the 49ers' match.
The San Francisco 49ers' upcoming NFL regular-season game in Australia draws parallels to Stanford University's 2017 experience playing a season opener in Sydney. Stanford's former quarterbacks coach, Tavita Pritchard, shared insights from their dominant 62-7 victory over Rice.
Pritchard stressed that arriving a week early, as Stanford did, proved beneficial. He noted that the team's first day in Sydney was packed with activities, including visits to Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach, to help players combat jet lag and adjust to the new environment.
Stanford's successful overseas game, one of five NCAA or NFL games played in Australia to date, offers a valuable precedent for the 49ers. Pritchard believes such international games are "great for the game" and will be an exciting experience for players and fans alike, with the upcoming Melbourne game set to be the sixth such event.
