Watching a live Australian Football League (AFL) match at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne is an incredible experience for any sports fan. With a capacity of over 50,000 people, the atmosphere is electric. As the home ground of AFL powerhouses Essendon and St Kilda, Marvel hosts many huge games throughout the season. If you want to get tickets to an AFL match at Marvel Stadium, here is everything you need to know.
When is the AFL Season?
The AFL season typically runs from late March through early September. The regular home-and-away season comprises 23 rounds, with each team playing 22 matches. The AFL finals series then takes place in September, culminating in the AFL Grand Final, which is traditionally held on the last Saturday in September.
Marvel Stadium hosts AFL matches in Melbourne throughout the regular season and often hosts finals matches as well. The stadium schedule is busiest during the middle of the season from June through August.
How to Get AFL Tickets
There are a few different options for purchasing tickets to AFL games at Marvel Stadium:
Buy from the Official AFL Tickets Site
The best place to purchase tickets is directly from the Official AFL Tickets site at https://www.ticketek.com.au/afl. This is the only authorized seller of official tickets. Here you can view the Marvel Stadium calendar and check ticket availability for upcoming matches. Tickets can be purchased online.
Buy Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets go on sale about 6 weeks prior to each match. These tickets allow you to purchase seats for individual games. Single game ticket prices typically range from $35-60 for adult tickets and $5-15 for child tickets, depending on seat location.
Buy Ticket Packages
If you want to attend multiple games or a full finals package, buying ticket packages can offer discounts. Packages may include 3, 5 or 7 game options. Finals packages will get you tickets to all the finals matches at Marvel Stadium.
Join an AFL Club Membership Program
Becoming a club member with the Essendon Bombers or St Kilda Saints offers guaranteed access to purchase tickets before the general public. Memberships which include reserved seats for every home game offer the easiest way to get tickets. However, memberships can be expensive with fees from $75 for general admission access up to $1600+ for premium reserved seats.
Use a Ticket Reseller
If games are sold out on the AFL site, you can turn to secondary ticket marketplaces for resale options:
- StubHub – Large resale site with AFL tickets.
- Ticketmaster Resale – Official resale site connected to Ticketek.
- Viagogo – International ticket exchange.
Be aware prices are often marked up over face value when purchasing through resellers.
Where to Sit at Marvel Stadium
Marvel Stadium offers a wide range of seating options for AFL matches:
| Seating Area | Description |
|---|---|
| The Medallion Club | Premium seats in the centre of the wing with club amenities. |
| Forward Flank | Sideline seats closer to the goals. |
| Back Flank | Sideline seats towards the middle. |
| MCG Wing | Stretching sideline seats along the wings. |
| Ponsford Stand | Behind the goals at one end. |
| Olympic Stand | Behind the goals at the other end. |
Midfield sideline seats in the Forward and Back Flanks closest to the interchange bench offer prime viewing. For those on a budget, seats in the Ponsford and Olympic stands behind the goals provide great value. Wherever you sit, being part of the roar of the crowd is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Getting to Marvel Stadium
Marvel Stadium is located right next to Melbourne’s CBD and is easily accessible by public transport:
Train
The most popular option. Simply take any train on the City Loop to Richmond Station, which is directly across from the stadium. Extra trains run on game days to handle the large crowds.
Tram
Tram routes 70 or 75 from Flinders Street Station go right past Marvel Stadium.
Bus
Multiple bus routes stop on Punt Rd adjacent to the stadium.
Car
If driving, there are several parking garages around the stadium charging $15-20 for event parking.
Food & Drink at Marvel Stadium
To fuel up for the footy action, Marvel Stadium offers great food and drink choices:
Bars
Beers, wine, and soft drinks are available throughout the stadium bars and concessions.
Restaurants
Premium sit-down dining is available in:
- The Medallion Club
- Jim Stynes Grill
Concessions
Grab a bite from the expanded selection of concessions:
- Pies, hot dogs, fries, burgers
- Healthy wraps and salads
- International flavours – tacos, noodle boxes, etc.
See the stadium food guide online prior to choose your go-to game snacks.
Essendon vs St Kilda Rivalry
When the Essendon Bombers and St Kilda Saints clash in a home-and-away match at Marvel Stadium, expect an intense atmosphere. This long-time rivalry guarantees a hard-fought contest between two passionate sets of fans. Some key facts on the rivalry:
- First match played in 1873 – the two clubs are founding members of the VFL/AFL.
- They have played each other 197 times total.
- Essendon leads the all-time series 104-85-8.
- Highest ever crowd was 92,935 in 1965.
- Their Round 14 match in 2021 drew over 41,000 fans.
The Bombers vs Saints rivalry always produces drama and nail-biting finishes. Catching one of these fiery contests at Marvel Stadium is a must for any footy fan.
Book Your AFL Experience Today
Attending a live Australian Rules football match is a quintessential Melbourne experience. Don’t miss your chance to secure tickets to an AFL game at the city’s premier stadium – Marvel Stadium. It’s easy to get great seats through the official AFL tickets site and sparkling new upgrades have made the venue better than ever. With footy season just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your trip and be part of the electric atmosphere. Let’s go footy!
