Where to Watch NFL in Melbourne: Your Ultimate Game Day Guide

When the Rams take on the 49ers on Friday 11 September, you won’t just find the action at the ground, venues across Richmond, the CBD, the south-east, north side and the west are transforming into full-blown American game day headquarters, complete with breakfast burgers, DJs, cheerleaders and enough Bud buckets to get any tailgate started.

Whether you’re heading to the G or just want to soak up the atmosphere close by, here’s where to go.

The city will be buzzing with game day energy from breakfast through to last drinks.

Imperial Bourke Street is transforming into Seahawks House, powered by AWS — Melbourne’s home base for local and travelling 12s during NFL Melbourne. Open from 9am with food and cold drinks, it’s shaping up as one of the best spots outside the MCG to catch the game.

Quarterhouse opens from 9.30am for an all-out game day experience — think Dons Hot Dogs, face painting, cheerleaders, and a post-game live music session to keep the party going.

Hopscotch runs NFL programming all week, including American-themed trivia from 7pm Wednesday, before Rams v 49ers hits the screens from 7am Friday. River Terrace packages ($99) include riverside seating, a main meal, a Budweiser bucket and unlimited wings, with live music and DJs from 8pm.

Hickens Hotel promises the ultimate NFL game day experience under one roof, with doors open from 7am for pre-game beers. A $29 VIP experience gets you a Carlton Dry on arrival and entry to exclusive Game Day zones — take your pick between Abe’s Sports Bar or the Rooftop. Live music runs until late.

Good Nature opens from 8am for breakfast, food and drinks before and after the MCG action, with entertainment, games and prizes throughout the day.

The Duke opens early for breakfast ahead of the 10:35am kick-off, with the game on the big screens before, during and after. Bookings recommended, walk-ins welcome.

Garden State Hotel opens from 7am for pre-game atmosphere on the mega screen, with live entertainment carrying the good vibes through the afternoon.

Closest to the action, Richmond is shaping up as NFL central.

Prince Alfred kicks things off with breakfast from 8–11am, followed by American game day specials from 11am. There’s live acoustic music from 2.30pm and a DJ taking over from 9pm till late.

Richmond Club Hotel opens its doors from 7am with breakfast and American-inspired favourites, rolling into live music and a DJ once the final whistle blows.

The Swan is open from 9am for a full day of Live & Loud coverage on the big screens, with happy hour running 4–6pm and a late-night happy hour from 9–11pm. Live music runs 3–10pm before the DJ takes over until 3am.

Bridge Hotel follows the same early-doors formula, open from 7am with breakfast, American classics, and live music and DJ once the game wraps.

Harlow is throwing its own watch party for Rams vs 49ers, open from 8.30am with a breakfast burger menu to fuel the walk to the G. Not going to the game? Harlow will have it live and loud on the screens regardless.

South-East

Prahran Hotel opens from 9.30am — round up your crew for cold beers, pub feeds and big-screen coverage before, during and after the MCG clash.

College Lawn opens early from 8am, serving breakfast for all those heading to the MCG before switching over to its full food and drink menu with the game on live and loud. 

The Espy Catch the Los Angeles Rams taking on the San Francisco 49ers live at the MCG, with all the action on the big screens in the Public Bar. The Public Bar opens from 9:30am with a limited breakfast menu available.

West

Victoria Hotel Yarraville opens from 10am with NFL live and loud across the whole venue. Expect an American-inspired breakfast in the Sports Bar and Beer Garden. Think breakfast burritos, bacon and egg rolls, BBQ beef burgers or chicken waffles for $21 — before the menu shifts to game-day favourites like garlic fries, Philly cheese steak, hot dogs and wings as the action continues.

Anglers Tavern opens from 9:30am ahead of the 10:35am kick-off, with breakfast, cold beers and big-screen action. 

Northside

The Provincial rounds out the list, open from 9:30am for Rams v 49ers live and loud on the big screens. 

From breakfast burgers at dawn to DJs well past midnight, Melbourne’s pubs are pulling out all the stops for NFL’s arrival at the MCG. Whether you want the full tailgate experience with cheerleaders and hot dogs, or just a cold beer and a good view of the screen, there’s a spot on this list for you. Grab your mates, get in early, and get ready to go long.

Don’t forget to download The Pass app before you head in to receive $10 off your first order and earn points on every order.

Kick-off for Rams vs 49ers is Friday 11 September at the MCG.