Searches surge as fans from Australia, North America and New Zealand come to join the action in Melbourne 

1 September 2026, SYDNEY – Expedia^® today revealed that Melbourne is gearing up for a city takeover ahead of Australia’s first-ever American football regular season game, with Expedia data showing fans are travelling from across Australia and around the world to attend the historic event. 

Aussies are embracing the rare opportunity to see elite American football stars on Australian soil, with domestic accommodation searches for Melbourne up 90% on Expedia¹. The excitement is also drawing international travellers, with flight searches led by Canada (+85%²), New Zealand (+55%³), and the United States (+50%⁴). 

“When Melbourne hosts world-class sport, fans pay attention, and Australia’s first gridiron game is no exception.” said Darren Karshagen, Expedia Senior Director. 

“Major sporting events are powerful travel drivers, attracting global fans and delivering benefits far beyond the stadium as Expedia data shows North American travellers are making the most of the journey to continue to explore Melbourne (+70%) after the event and continue their journey across Australia to cities like Sydney (+25%) ⁵.” 

Expedia’s Last-minute Travel Tips  

• You can bundle and save on packages: Flights, hotels, car hire and activities – all in one place. Book them together on Expedia and you can save hundreds on average*. Bonus: your full itinerary is stored in one place. 

• Use Expedia’s filters: Quickly identify accommodation options that align with your travel needs. For example, use the ‘budget, ‘breakfast included’ or ‘aparthotel’ filter to find accommodation that help you cut down on costs. 

• Look beyond the stadium precinct: While the MCG will be the heart of the action, consider neighbourhoods such as Southbank, Docklands, Albert Park and Carlton to experience Melbourne like a local, from waterfront dining and rooftop bars to leafy streets, cafés and cultural attractions. 

For those still planning their trip, it’s not too late. Head to Expedia and check out the range of accommodation options and package deals to help make a Melbourne game getaway happen. 

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Notes to Editor  

¹ Based on accommodation searches made on Expedia.com.au from 26 March 2026 – 10 August 2026 for travel between 10 September – 12 September 2026, compared to the same period the year before. 

² Based on flight searches made on Expedia.com.ca from 26 March 2026 – 10 August 2026 for travel between 9 September – 13 September 2026, compared to the same period the year before. 

³ Based on flight searches made on Expedia.co.nz from 26 March 2026 – 10 August 2026 for travel between 9 September – 13 September 2026, compared to the same period the year before. 

⁴ Based on flight searches made on Expedia.com from 26 March 2026 – 10 August 2026 for travel between 9 September – 13 September 2026, compared to the same period the year before. 

⁵ Based on flight searches made on Expedia.com.ca from 26 March 2026 – 10 August 2026 for travel between 13 September – 16 September 2026, compared to the same period the year before.  

*Savings based on package bookings as compared to the price on the same components booked separately. Savings vary and are not available on all packages. 

FAQ

How much has interest is there in the game from Aussies?  

Expedia data shows domestic accommodation searches for Melbourne from Aussies increased by 90% compared to the relevant comparison period 

Where are international fans travelling from? 

Expedia recorded increased flight searches from Canada (+85%), New Zealand (+55%) and the United States (+50%), indicating strong international interest in the event. 

Where should fans stay in Melbourne? 

In addition to areas near the MCG, Expedia recommends considering Southbank, Docklands, Albert Park and Carlton, which offer a range of dining, cultural and local experiences. 

Is the game driving travel beyond Melbourne? 
Yes. Expedia is seeing interest from travellers extending their trips, with accommodation searches for Sydney up 25% after the match, suggesting many visitors are planning broader Australian holidays. 

What are top travel tips for fans booking last-minute to the game? 

Expedia recommends booking travel packages, using search filters to find suitable accommodation, considering neighbourhoods beyond the city centre, and exploring holiday homes as an alternative to hotels.