Rams and 49ers finalize travel plans for NFL regular season game in Australia
San Francisco Chronicle • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 3:02 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
The Rams and 49ers prepare to face off in Melbourne in an NFL regular season game scheduled for next week. The contest takes place on a Thursday night in the United States, which corresponds to Friday morning in Australia. The two teams have opted for different travel strategies to manage the time zone transition. The 49ers arrived in Australia this week to begin acclimation, while the Rams plan to remain in Los Angeles before arriving roughly 24 hours prior to kickoff. Experts suggest that both approaches carry distinct risks regarding sleep deprivation and physical performance. The match is set to begin at 10:35 a.m. local time in Melbourne.
- •The 49ers arrived in Australia this week to begin acclimatizing to the local time zone.
- •The Rams intend to travel to Melbourne roughly 24 hours before the scheduled kickoff.
- •The game is set to start at 10:35 a.m. Melbourne time on Friday.
- •Stanford sleep researcher Dr. Jamie Zeitzer identified potential physical risks with both travel approaches.
- 2:41 AMSan Francisco Chronicle — 49ers, Rams made wildly different Australia plans. Sleep scientists can’t believe their luck - sfchronicle.com
- 3:02 PMYahoo Sports — Rams Are Testing the Limits of Sleep Science Before Australia Game
"The San Francisco 49ers will have been in Australia for a week. The Los Angeles Rams are arriving in Melbourne the day before kickoff. Who will win? Science.
"The 49ers are already there, while the Rams have yet to leave.
Sources
External links- San Francisco ChronicleSep 7, 2026, 2:41 AM49ers, Rams made wildly different Australia plans. Sleep scientists can’t believe their luck - sfchronicle.com
The San Francisco 49ers will have been in Australia for a week. The Los Angeles Rams are arriving in Melbourne the day before kickoff. Who will win? Science.
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 3:02 PMRams Are Testing the Limits of Sleep Science Before Australia Game
The 49ers are already there, while the Rams have yet to leave.
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