The Americans are coming, and Melbourne can feel it.
With football fever in the air, Airbnb and Alexander Volkanovski are launching “Experience an Aussie Tailgate With Volk” at Seaworks—bringing the food, games, and rituals of a proper American tailgate to Melbourne for the first time, hosted by locals for fans, foodies, and mates keen to celebrate.
Here’s what’s on offer:
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100 guests get their own tailgate setup for the day, going head-to-head in backyard classics: cornhole, quarterback throws, tug-of-war, beer pong, and the thong toss.
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American-inspired food and drink—hot dogs, wings, sliders, and root beer, with Volk himself on the grill.
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A slo-mo throw camera moment to take home.
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A local DJ keeping vibes high and a Tinnie Bar to round out the experience.
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20 bookable spots, completely free.
Photo: Airbnb
“I love good food, good company, and a good reason to fire up the grill, so tailgating with Airbnb was always going to be my kind of day,” said Volkanovski. “Bringing that spirit to Melbourne, and hosting a crowd that’s never experienced it like this before, has got me genuinely pumped.”
American football fans are descending on the city, and demand is red-hot. Search interest from American travelers is up over 250 percent year-on-year from September 8–14, 2026, while local interest for that week has jumped more than 75 percent, making this one of the most anticipated sporting weekends in Australia this year.
Sporting events can serve as a real opportunity for Melbourne hosts. Locals can consider listing their homes for future events, turning a busy weekend into an open door, and a local host into a local guide.
“This is a huge moment for Melbourne, and we wanted to bring fans together to celebrate it in true American style, with a fair dinkum Aussie twist. And it’s not just the fans kicking goals here. Our Melbourne hosts are just as fired up to show off their own brand of hospitality, offering more than a place to stay by showcasing the best of the city’s community spirit from people who actually love living in it,” said Susan Wheeldon, country manager for Australia and New Zealand at Airbnb. “Sport is a huge reason people travel, and with a massive sporting calendar ahead for Melbourne and Australia next year, there’s never been a better time to open your door and become a host.”
ALSO READ: Airbnb Reveals Top Holiday Destinations for Filipinos
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