Rams, 49ers Split on 17-Hour Melbourne Trip as NFL Expands to 9 International Games
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 7
Rams, 49ers Split on 17-Hour Melbourne Trip as NFL Expands to 9 International Games
1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 7
Summary
San Francisco left for Melbourne last Wednesday to gain nearly a week of acclimation, while the Rams will depart Tuesday night and arrive about 24 hours before the season opener.
Sean McVay said Los Angeles chose to preserve its normal routine despite the 17-hour flight, extending an approach that worked in London and in last year's 35-7 win over Jacksonville.
The matchup kicks off at 10:35 a.m. Friday local time — 8:35 p.m. ET Thursday — adding uncertainty to the NFL's furthest game yet from the United States.
That travel contrast comes as the league stages a record 9 international games this season across 4 continents, with Roger Goodell still pushing toward 16 annually.
League officials and former executives say the NFL's overseas push gained traction only after shifting from preseason and developmental games to regular-season matchups featuring top rivals.