AFL Maintains Ticket Price Freeze, Introduces New Strategy for Anzac Day Blockbuster
The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced a significant decision that will see general admission ticket prices remain unchanged for the eighth consecutive year, extending the freeze through to the 2026 season. This commitment to affordability aims to ensure that Australian Rules Football remains an accessible and enjoyable experience for families and fans across the country.
For games held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Marvel Stadium, adult general admission tickets will continue to be priced at $27. Concession tickets will remain at $18, while juniors aged 14 and under can attend for $5. Children aged four and under will continue to receive free entry. The popular ‘Family Tickets’, designed for two adults and two children, will also be held at $54, a price point that has been in place since the 2019 season.
This consistent pricing strategy underscores the AFL’s dedication to making live football an attractive option for a broad audience. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon highlighted the league’s ongoing commitment to affordability. “The AFL is pleased to continue to freeze prices for general admission and family tickets,” Dillon stated. “On any given weekend, there could be up to five games of footy in Victoria, and we are committed to providing quality and affordable games that everyone can enjoy.”
Dillon also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, referencing the “historic return of Origin” and the anticipation surrounding the Opening Round and Round 1. “The feeling and excitement of footy is unrivalled, and the wait is nearly over,” he added.
A New Approach for the Anzac Day Showdown
While general admission prices remain stable, the AFL is implementing a new ticketing strategy for one of the most anticipated clashes on the Australian sporting calendar: the Anzac Day blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon. Recognising feedback from club members and dedicated fans, tickets for this highly popular game will now be split across two separate on-sale periods.
This division is designed to provide a more equitable opportunity for both club members and the general public to secure tickets for the historic match.
- Club Members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets. This priority window will open on Thursday, April 19th, at 10 am AEDT.
- The General Public will have their chance to buy tickets 24 hours later, with sales commencing on Friday, April 20th, at 10 am AEDT.
This staggered approach aims to alleviate some of the intense demand typically associated with the Anzac Day game, offering dedicated fans a fairer chance to experience the match live.
General Ticketing Information for the 2026 Season
The AFL has also released general on-sale times for the initial rounds of the 2026 season, covering matches at both the MCG and Marvel Stadium. This information is crucial for fans planning their attendance throughout the first 15 rounds of the home and away season.
General Admission and Family Tickets (MCG & Marvel Stadium, Rounds 1-15):
- Tuesday, February 17th, 2026:
- 10 am AEDT: Club Members
- Wednesday, February 18th, 2026:
- 10 am AEDT: General Public
Specific On-Sale Dates for Key Rounds:
Round 7 – Essendon v Collingwood (Anzac Day):
As detailed above, this match will have staggered sales to accommodate members and the general public.- Club Members – 10 am AEDT, Thursday, February 19th, 2026
- General Public – 10 am AEDT, Friday, February 20th, 2026
AFL Reserve (Marvel Stadium – 10 am and MCG – 2 pm):
This section details specific sales for AFL Reserve seating, which may have different timings.- Tuesday, February 24th, 2026: Rounds 1-6 (Note: This excludes Round 5, Gather Round)
- Tuesday, March 24th, 2026: Rounds 7-10 (Excluding Anzac Day match)
- Wednesday, March 25th, 2026: Anzac Day match (Essendon v Collingwood)
- Tuesday, May 12th, 2026: Rounds 11-15
In 2026, the AFL fixture will comprise 91 Home and Away matches, with 45 games scheduled for the MCG and 46 for Marvel Stadium. This extensive schedule ensures ample opportunities for fans to engage with the sport throughout the season, supported by the league’s commitment to maintaining affordable ticket prices for general admission.
