The planning for the NFL Melbourne Game started around two years prior. Our core team of staff worked on the event design and operations planning over that period, with an influx for load-in and gameday operations in the week leading up to the game, bringing approximately 30 staff on site.
“The field size obviously isn’t an issue for the MCG, but accommodating all the additional requirements is a unique challenge. The field overlay includes additional broadcast camera positions, pre-game hospitality and football operational requirements, while also incorporating temporary protection to minimize impact on the hallowed turf,” Mr Powyer said.
“A huge number of people do an incredible amount of work behind the scenes to ensure a seamless gameday experience for fans, teams and staff.”
Some of the key overlay challenges for the NFL Melbourne Game included:
extending the secure line beyond the building
repurposing most of the internal service level, including carparking
building a temporary outside broadcast compound
accommodating the additional international media that travel to cover the event
scheduling operations to minimize impact on other stakeholders and events
accommodating the field of play to meet NFL requirements, and
upgrading existing changeroom facilities to accommodate increased athlete numbers.
The project required careful coordination between various organizations, including Melbourne Cricket Club, Visit Victoria, the City of Melbourne, VicTrack, Heritage Victoria and emergency authorities.
Over the last decade, the NFL has taken international games into some of the most iconic stadiums around the world, but in each case these venues must adapt to meet the specific demands of hosting an NFL fixture.