The historic NFL game at the MCG — between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers — has opened to spine-tingling scenes.
With the game being played on September 11, there was a sensitive tribute to the 9-11 tragedy that rocked New York 25 years ago.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Cody Simpson at the NFL’s MCG game
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American soul band Infinity Song were then handed the keys to perform the US National Anthem. Typically, a job fraught with danger givings fans are unforgiving and quick to sink the boots in.
However, their gentle treatment of the Star-Spangled Banner was widely applauded by online critics.
“This is the most beautiful performance of our anthem I’ve ever heard,” one fan said on social media.
Cody Simpson performs the national anthem at the MCG. Credit: Getty Images And Infinity Song were given the daunting task of performing the US anthem. Credit: X And another: “Outstanding.”
And another: “What a fantastic rendition of the national anthem! Never heard of Infinity Song before, but I definitely gotta check ‘em out.”
And another: “Never heard of Infinity Song but that was a really cool rendition of the national anthem.”
Of course, there was the odd brutal take, too.
“So disappointing. The most mumbled national anthem ever. Do better,” one unhappy fan raged.
And another: “And it was awful. Aussie Anthem guy was much better.”
And and another: “They got bodied by the Australian singer.”
That Aussie singer was former swimmer Cody Simpson, who was coming back from a serious vocal cord injury (vocal cord hemorrhage).
“Cody Simpson that was fantastic,” one fan said.
And another: “I hope the AFL have Cody Simpson on speed dial for the grand final too.”
And another: “Cody Simpson bringing a proud Australian touch to kickoff tonight.”
Star Channel 7 presenter Mel McLaughlin summed it up perfectly.
“Goose bumps,” McLaughlin said on Channel 7.
“We have just seen a bit of everything and really emotional as well.”
AFL great Nick Riewoldt said “that is a pre-game ceremony”.
Ospreys and the Roulettes roar above the MCG. Credit: Getty Images “Both anthems incredible, beautiful,” Riewoldt said.
“The tribute to 9/11 as well, a huge day in the United States, 25 years, of course, tomorrow (US time.”
After the anthems, the US Marine Corps Ospreys and Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes flew over the MCG.
“That was unbelievable. The flyover, a little bit of everything there,” Riewoldt said.
“But we are ready – traditional rivals. We have been building up to this for so long. It does not get any bigger than this. The scene is set, the MCG looks a picture.
“It’s like sending Carlton and Collingwood to the US in the middle of the AFL season. Millions of people (watching). It could be one of the highest rating games this year.
“They don’t do it in halves.”
Melbourne certainly turned it on for the historic NFL event, and the MCG was sold out.
About 100,000 fans have packed Australia’s largest stadium, which was bathed in brilliant sunshine as die-hard supporters and theatre-goers alike came from all corners to fill the precinct.
It will likely be the second-biggest international crowd in NFL history, and the league’s seventh-highest regular-season attendance of all-time.
Thousands more are filling venues across the road at Melbourne Park for the NFL Kickoff Festival, as well as in bars that have opened early around the city.
Former AFL and NFL star Ben Graham – the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl, in 2009 – said the atmosphere was reminiscent of the biggest week on the American league’s calendar.
“This is why commissioner (Roger) Goodell decided it was time to bring the great game of the NFL to Australia and particularly Melbourne – because of the MCG,” Graham said on Seven.
“Walking the streets of Melbourne this week, it feels like Super Bowl week. There are jerseys being represented from every team in the NFL.
“There’ll be hundreds of thousands of people that just come to Melbourne this week and not even come to the game.
“But it is a sight to behold and this is only the sign of things to come because they continue to want to grow the game internationally.”
– With AAP