The San Francisco 49ers are set to travel to Australia a week in advance of their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, which is scheduled for next week. This decision comes after the team expressed concerns about the lengthy 16-hour flight and the significant 17-hour time difference they will face.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that the team opted for this early departure to allow players to acclimate to the new time zone and climate. He noted, "I would love to just show up the day before and just play, but I'm not the best when it comes to the science and everything on that stuff."
Shanahan emphasized the importance of consulting experts who have experience with such long-distance travel.
In contrast, the Rams plan to arrive in Australia just a day before the game, which Shanahan described as a risky approach. He highlighted the potential challenges that West Coast teams often face when traveling to the East Coast due to time zone adjustments, suggesting that the 49ers' strategy is more prudent.
The 49ers' decision to arrive early is also reminiscent of their preparations for high-altitude games, such as those in Mexico City, where acclimatization is crucial. Shanahan mentioned that the team will spend time in Colorado to prepare for similar adjustments this season.
