NFL Melbourne LIVE: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams count down to historic MCG clash as bumper crowd builds

Key Posts8.31amAhead of Kylie’s grand final show, Dannii arrives at MCGBy Fiona ByrneThousands of people are already at the MCG. It is like a piece of American has landed in East Melbourne.Getting through the gates was akin to boarding a plane with bags being scanned and people being wanded.The pre-game scenes outside the MCG.Eddie JimWe have our first celebrity spotting - Dannii Minogue. Minogue is attending her first sporting match at the MCG. “I’ve never seen a sports game here, and I thought the first one was going to be coming to see my sister, and then this happened. I’m like, oh, God, NFL, I’m in,” Minogue told The Age. Her sister is, of course, Kylie Minogue who is the headline act for the pre game show at the AFL grand final on September 26.8.24amJerseys, jerseys everywhereBy Roy WardFrom the moment I stepped onto the train this morning, I’ve had NFL jerseys in my line of sight and that has continued throughout the walk to the MCG and through security into the stadium.As a long time fan of the NFL and a lover of jerseys, I’ve been on the lockout for the oldest or most unusual as these events always bring out a range of fans.A couple of early arrivals.Luke HemerSome of my favourites so far have been a guy wearing a Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens jersey, from the era when Reebok made official NFL jerseys, and I’ve counted more than 10 teams.Most players and NFL people claim every team will have a fan at each international game and that seems very likely.I reckon the jersey that I’ve seen the most, so far, was Brock Purdy’s 49ers jersey and, as expected, there is a huge number of 49ers fans around the stadium. The NFL says its statistics has the 49ers as the most supported team in Australia.I was tempted to bring out my Peyton Manning Colts jersey today but, under the terms of our media passes, we aren’t meant to wear NFL apparel, so that one has remained in the cupboard.8.15amCheck out the players’ fashion looksBy Courtney ThompsonWe officially have our first tunnel walk, courtesy of Christian McCaffrey, the running back of the San Francisco 49ers.McCaffrey has opted for an understated and definitely unassuming all-black outfit, accessorised with a simple necklace, watch and black shades. Also note: wired headphones just to signal while he might be laidback, he is still on-trend.For those who might be wondering why I’ll also be commentating the fashion looks at today’s match, the relationship between sport and fashion has become increasingly cosy over the past decade.And you see that nowhere more clearly than in the evolution of what we call “Tunnel Walk fashion”.7.59amUbers in demand as crowds descend on the ’GBy Eleanor Campbell and Jon PierikDemand for ride-share services is soaring as thousands of fans flock to the MCG ahead of today’s 10.35am kick-off.“I’ve been dropping people off since 2am,” Uber driver Leo told 3AW. He was ferrying security, lighting, and catering crews to the stadium through the early hours.This 49ers fan was keen. Getty ImagesSome passengers have reported Uber prices are two to three times higher than their normal trip.Trams and trains are running every two to four minutes to and from the ground, with the crowd expected to reach up to 100,000.NFL fans descend on the MCG.Eddie Jim7.53amPrawn tacos and cocktails: Loading up on US snacksBy Andrea McGinnissMelburnians love an event. And this is a biggie. How else can you explain to outsiders why the MCG is almost sold-out for an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams on a chilly school day morning?Also, NFL games go for ages, so you’ll need snacks.Prawn taco and Paloma cocktail at the Builders Arms Hotel.Whether you’re into the on-field action or not, there’s still plenty to sink your teeth into, with bakers, bars and hotels dishing up some creative specials to keep the celebrations going, before and after the game. There are tacos. There are cocktails. Here are nine places to check out.7.47amHow to watch on TV, key playersBy Zoey DucheneWhether you’re a hard core NFL fan or new to the game, we’re here to help.Here’s your game-day guide, including how to follow the game on TV (Channel Seven is the free-to-air broadcaster) with ESPN and Netflix streaming to a global audience.The MCG is ready for today’s NFL match.APWe also go through the players to watch on both sides, and why the quarterbacks are such a big deal.There are some important things to know about NFL game culture, too.Here’s everything you need to know to be primed for kick-off.Click here to read the full story.7.41amGood morning, the stage is setBy G’day everyone, and welcome to our AFL … wait, scratch that … our NFL live blog for the first regular-season game in Australia.Fans have been streaming to the MCG precinct since the early hours of the morning. The LA Rams, who were early to bed last night, and San Francisco 49ers are continuing their final preparations for the big game, with kick-off set for 10.30am AEST, or 5.30pm back in California.We will have plenty of coverage on not just the game, but also the Jonas Brothers’ half-time show and all the fanfare from tailgates across the city as Aussie and US fans take in this historic occasion with 100,000 fans tipped to be there in a transformed MCG for the contest.This is how the ground is looking this morning.Enjoy the hours to come.1 of 1