ESPN on Disney+ and Visit Victoria bring NFL fever to Fed Square with free Fan Celebration

Thousands of NFL fans are set to descend on Federation Square this September as ESPN on Disney+ in partnership with State Government and Visit Victoria transform Melbourne's iconic gathering place into the Melbourne End Zone, an ultimate NFL fan destination.

The Melbourne End Zone will feature Game Day Live, a dedicated stage thanks to ESPN on Disney+ that will showcase all the NFL action live and free on the Federation Square big screen in the heart of the city, beginning on Thursday 10 September with the Seattle Seahawks v New England Patriots from 10.20am (live from Seattle), before attention turns to the headline event on Friday 11 September, when the Los Angeles Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne from 10.35am at the iconic MCG. Game Day Live will also see dedicated post-game shows live on stage after each game, where NFL fans will hear all the latest news and expert analysis as the season kicks off.

Fans attending Federation Square can immerse themselves in the NFL atmosphere with interactive experiences, including an NFL ESPN on Disney+ punting challenge, a Four’N Twenty quarterback challenge, the Toyota Tundra display and merchandise giveaways, live entertainment and opportunities to engage with fellow fans throughout the two-day event. Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) are working with Visit Victoria to bring the event to life and will also be on-site delivering dedicated coverage and capturing the excitement as Melbourne welcomes one of the world's biggest sporting leagues.

The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director, and Head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, said the ESPN on Disney+ Game Day Live stage is a perfect place for fans to catch all the NFL action.

“We’re excited for NFL fans to celebrate with the home of US Sport - ESPN on Disney+ at the Game Day Live stage at Fed Square. It’s an iconic place to come together to soak up the atmosphere in the heart of Melbourne, thanks to SEN and Visit Victoria. It’s an unmissable landmark event in Australia’s sports history, set off with what’s sure to be an incredible half-time performance by the Jonas Brothers.”

Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines said Melbourne End Zone would bring the excitement surrounding the historic NFL Melbourne Game into the heart of the city.

“Melbourne End Zone will bring the excitement of the NFL into the heart of our city, giving everyone the chance to be part of this history-making week.”

“Events like the NFL Melbourne Game provide major demand for our visitor economy, filling our hotels, restaurants and attractions while showcasing Victoria to the world.”

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said Melbourne End Zone would add to the excitement across the city and give visiting NFL fans even more reason to experience Melbourne.

“The NFL Melbourne Game is attracting visitors from across Australia and around the world and Melbourne End Zone gives them another reason to stay longer and experience more of our city.”

“Melbourne will be buzzing throughout game week and beyond, with a huge six months of sport ahead – including the AFL Grand Final, the Australian Open golf featuring Rory McIlroy and the 150th Anniversary Test.”

SEN Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said his organisation couldn't wait for NFL fever to take over Melbourne.

"The NFL's arrival in Melbourne is a landmark moment for sport in Australia and we're thrilled to be collaborating with ESPN on Disney+ and Visit Victoria to give fans a front-row experience at Federation Square.

"Whether you're a lifelong NFL supporter or discovering the game for the first time, this free event will create an incredible atmosphere in the heart of Melbourne and showcase why major sporting events continue to resonate so strongly with local audiences."