Rams star Kevin Dotson stunned by Melbourne interest as tickets waitlist tops 200,000
Forty percent of tickets are expected to go to overseas visitors, while NFL-type security is expected to be increased off the field. The Rams are the home team of the event.
Dotson, 29, said he was excited to face the 49ers, their fierce rival in the NFC West.
“I think they [NFL] He probably picked the best game to do it in, the NFC West, a rivalry game. I think all four teams are constant rivals, so for us to be named one of the best NFC teams in the West, the 49ers are a good team, their [NFL] “They’re getting the best they can for Australia,” Dotson said.
Led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams lost last season’s NFC championship game to eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle. The 49ers lost to the Seahawks in the league playoffs.
Sydney hosted an exhibition NFL match in 1999, but this match will have all the intensity of a real shootout.
Loading
The Rams, who signed cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas last week, will be determined to start their new season in style.
“That’s our plan, man,” Dotson said.
“You have to accept it somehow [the loss to Seattle] for what it is. We lost. But we have to take it. We understand that we are one or two plays away from qualifying for the Super Bowl and possibly winning the Super Bowl. I say take that and use that pain as fuel to drive us this year.
The NFL fixture will also bring the Yarra Park area into action, providing a party-like atmosphere even for those without tickets to the game. Tailgate parties may even be held hours before the game, a weekly tradition in the United States.
The 2025-26 NFL season will feature nine overseas games, including Melbourne, down from a record seven in five overseas cities (Dublin, São Paulo, Berlin, London and Madrid) last season.
“This isn’t even a dream I know I could have,” Dotson said of playing in Melbourne.
“I’m looking to be in the league and spread it around, it’s just a blessing and hopefully they’ll be too [Melbourne fans] “I can fully appreciate the game that has given me so much.”
News, results and expert analysis from the sports weekend are delivered every Monday. Sign up for our sports newsletter.
