The AFL today announced a range of ticketing initiatives centred on increasing affordability and accessibility for fans attending 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership Season matches at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.

Key changes - applicable to 2015 MCG and Etihad Stadium matches only - include free entry for children to all Sunday matches, a price freeze on all 2015 General Admission Premiership Season ticket prices, and the removal of fully reserved seat matches and match classifications.

Next season’s ticket prices will be determined collaboratively by the AFL and Victorian clubs with prices finalised in early 2015. Fans will again be given the choice of a range of prices to all MCG and Etihad Stadium matches as part of a simplified ticketing model that provides General Admission tickets to every match at both Melbourne metropolitan venues.

The key 2015 ticketing changes at the MCG and Etihad Stadium include:

  • Free entry for children (under 15) to all Sunday 2015 Toyota Premiership season matches at the MCG and Etihad Stadium
  • Price freeze on all General Admission tickets (adults $25, concession $17, kids $5 – excluding transaction fee)
  • General Admission prices available at all MCG and Etihad Stadium 2015 Premiership season matches
  • No fully reserved seat matches at the MCG or Etihad Stadium (except Anzac Day) across the 2015 Premiership season
  • Reduced transaction fees for online tickets for Etihad Stadium matches (reduced from $7.00 in 2014 to $2.50 in 2015)
  • Lifting of match classifications at MCG and Etihad Stadium matches
  • New online ticket search tool available on the AFL and club websites
  • Prices set collaboratively by both the AFL and all 18 clubs

AFL General Manager Clubs and AFL Operations, Travis Auld, will be available to media at AFL House today (10am) to discuss these initiatives. Media are asked to assemble in reception.

Who: AFL General Manager Clubs and AFL Operations, Travis Auld
When: 10am, Thursday December 18
Where: AFL House, reception

AFL General Manager Clubs and AFL Operations, Travis Auld, said the changes to next year’s ticketing structure have been designed to make attending AFL matches easier for fans.

“Our research and feedback tells us that this year’s ticketing framework posed a number of problems for those fans attending MCG and Etihad Stadium matches in Victoria, particularly in relation to fully reserved seat matches,” Mr Auld said.

“As a result, next year’s ticketing model is very much a case of going back to basics – the AFL and Clubs are committed to removing as many obstacles as possible for those fans looking to attend AFL matches.

“Fans no longer have to worry about complex match categories and seating maps following the introduction of a new, user-friendly online ticket search tool that will be available next year via the AFL and club websites.

“General admission prices will remain untouched next year and still represent outstanding value compared to all other equivalent sporting and entertainment events. And while we believe it’s important to provide fans with choices that accommodate their varying needs and financial capabilities, General Admission tickets will be available at every MCG and Etihad Stadium match across the 2015 Premiership Season. This provides the flexibility for all fans to attend all matches.

“We want to encourage fans to support their clubs at as many games as possible, and keep prices down across the board.

“The AFL thanks and commends the clubs for leading a number of these initiatives following very productive discussions at our recent match day summit. In particular, clubs are to be congratulated on their commitment to ensuring the game is highly accessible to children and families, which has led to the introduction of free admission for children to Sunday MCG and Etihad Stadium matches next season.

"This initiative is also part of a much wider program being developed by clubs and the AFL to make Sundays a family-friendly day at the footy, and while these initiatives relate specifically to matches at the MCG and Etihad Stadium, we are working with other clubs and venues around the country to implement similar initiatives where possible.”

Mr Auld said that every Victorian club would work collaboratively with the AFL to set ticket prices in 2015, a process that has been in place with non-Victorian clubs for several years.

“Clubs know their supporters better than anyone so it makes sense for them to take an active role in setting ticket prices, just as they do with memberships and a range of other products,” Mr Auld added.

“Furthermore, buying a ticket is a great way to support your club because the revenue generated from ticket sales goes straight back to your club.

“We believe this approach will ultimately better serve fans in Victoria and ensure those clubs have greater control over their ticketing.”

Final ticket prices for the 2015 Premiership Season – including matches played at Etihad Stadium and the MCG - will be available when tickets go on sale prior to the start of next season.

2015 NAB Challenge

General Admission prices for the 2015 NAB Challenge will also remain unchanged from 2014 – Adults and Concession $18, Children (under 15) $4, Family (2 Adults, 4 Children under 15) $36 – excluding additional fees and charges.

In addition, for the first time in over a decade, AFL and club access members will have free General Admission entry to those NAB Challenge matches in which their Club is competing (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable).

On-sale dates for the 2015 NAB Challenge are:

AFL and Club Members – 9am, Wednesday January 28, 2015
General Public – 9am, Thursday January 29, 2015

Please see www.afl.com.au for venue and ticketing information.