The AFL Grand Final is the championship game of the Australian Football League and is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia. It is played annually at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and attracts over 100,000 spectators.
Many football fans dream of attending the AFL Grand Final to watch their team compete for the premiership. However, with massive demand for tickets, purchasing them can be difficult, especially for general public without club member access.
This article provides key information on whether and how the general public can purchase tickets to the AFL Grand Final. It covers eligibility, ticket release phases, prices, seating options, and tips for increasing your chances.
Can General Public Buy Tickets?
Yes, a limited number of AFL Grand Final tickets are made available for purchase by the general public without club membership. However, demand massively exceeds supply, so purchasing tickets is highly competitive.
The AFL Grand Final typically sells out completely months ahead of the big game. But with some preparation and persistence, it is possible for the general public to secure tickets.
Eligibility for General Public
To be eligible to buy AFL Grand Final tickets as general public, you must:
- Not be a member of any AFL club competing in the Grand Final
- Not have received tickets through official AFL player, club or corporate hospitality programs
- Not be a member of the AFL or AFL clubs in general
Essentially, you must have no special affiliation with an AFL club or the league. This ensures club members and partners get priority access before the remaining tickets are offered to fans.
When Are Tickets Released?
The AFL sells Grand Final tickets over three main phases:
Pre-Sale
A small pre-sale occurs before the Grand Final teams are known, usually around a month before the game. This pre-sale accounts for less than 5% of total inventory.
On-Sale
The majority of tickets are released after the preliminary finals once the Grand Final match-up is confirmed. This on-sale period is the primary opportunity for general public.
It usually occurs 2-3 weeks prior to the game. Over 20,000 tickets across all ticket categories are made available during the on-sale.
Extra Releases
In the final week leading up to the Grand Final, the AFL sometimes releases extra tickets that were held for players andclub members but not claimed.
This offers a final chance for fans to secure tickets at the last minute, albeit in very limited quantities.
AFL Grand Final Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the AFL Grand Final vary depending on seat location:
Ticket Category | Price |
---|---|
Category 1 Premium Seats | $950 |
Category 2 Premium Seats | $820 |
Category 3 Reserved Seats | $580 |
Category 4 Reserved Seats | $420 |
General Admission | $240 |
Concession Reserved Seats | $190 |
Junior Reserved Seats | $140 |
The most expensive tickets are Category 1 premium seats located in premium viewing areas on the wing or center of the ground. The cheapest are general admission standing room tickets. Concession discounts apply for pensioners and children.
Additional Costs
On top of the ticket price, there are additional charges:
– Transaction fee per ticket: $6-$7
– Handling fee per transaction: $9-$13
So the total per ticket cost ends up 10-20% higher than the base price when including fees.
Key Seating Options
When purchasing AFL Grand Final tickets, three main seating choices are available:
Reserved Seats
These are dedicated seats within the main lower and upper bowl areas of the stadium marked with a seat number. They offer a consistent view from your own spot.
General Admission
With general admission, you do not have an allocated seat and instead stand within a designated area, usually behind the goals. It allows moving around for different viewing angles.
Corporate Boxes
Corporate boxes offer premium experiences with luxury lounges, food and drinks inclusive, and the best views. But they are extremely expensive at over $15,000 each.
Tips for Buying Tickets
Here are some handy tips to boost your chances of purchasing AFL Grand Final tickets as general public:
- Register your interest as early as possible on the AFL website. This gives you priority access to buying tickets.
- Log in ahead of the on-sale time and have payment details ready to make the process faster.
- Aim for upper level Sideline reserved seats first as they are more affordable and have decent views.
- Be flexible and willing to take any available tickets even if not your first preference.
- Check back regularly for extra releases in case more tickets become available.
- Consider joining the AFL Ticketek Ticketek Rewards program for earlier booking access.
- If really desperate, ticket re-sale sites like Viagogo are an option but avoid scalpers.
Preparation and persistence are key to securing the coveted tickets. So get organized early and don’t give up even if you miss out in the initial release phases.
Conclusion
The AFL Grand Final sells out rapidly every year. But it is possible for the general public to purchase tickets with some luck and the right approach. Register your interest as early as possible, log in ahead of the ticket release, be open-minded on seating options, and keep checking back for further releases.
While purchasing AFL Grand Final tickets as a member of the public is challenging, it remains achievable with preparation and flexibility. For many footy fans, attending the biggest game of the year is a dream come true. So be determined and proactive in your ticket search. With smart persistence, you can land yourself a seat at the MCG for the Grand Final.