NFL Flyover Sends Ospreys And Jets Over Packed Melbourne Cricket Ground

Four tilt-rotor aircraft flew in a loose diamond formation over the packed Melbourne Cricket Ground before the first regular-season NFL game in Australia on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Three jets followed on the right, leaving white smoke trails across the sky as a giant U.S. flag stretched across the field below. Red and blue smoke also burst over the near sideline as cheerleaders and an honor-guard line stood on the turf.

The formation moved toward midfield, with additional smoke trails appearing from both sides. The stadium light tower and jumbotron stood behind the aircraft as spectators raised their phones to capture the flyover.

As the camera turned toward the crowd, a cloud of red, white and blue smoke hung over the stands while spectators in white jerseys continued filming.

The flyover featured a mixed formation from the Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, with RAAF Roulettes flying Pilatus PC-21s and the Marines flying MV-22B Ospreys.

The Australian Defence Force also provided a flag party with a U.S. Marine Corps color guard. The footage was filmed by X user Andrew Hawkins.

The Los Angeles Rams faced the San Francisco 49ers at the MCG, with an official attendance of 100,021. San Francisco won 27–7.