The Australian Football League has teamed up with ticketing partner Ticketmaster to announce that transaction fees will be scrapped for all AFL, A-League soccer and Big Bash League cricket matches held at Marvel Stadium.
The Aussie rules league owns the Melbourne venue and sees the venture as a means to further enhance its commitment to access and affordability. The change will come into effect immediately for AFL matches, with tickets going on sale to AFL and club members for the 2020 Premiership season on February 24.
There will be 43 home and away AFL matches scheduled at Marvel Stadium across the 2020 season, with St Kilda (14), Western Bulldogs (12), and Carlton (10) accounting for the most games at the 56,000-capacity venue. In 2019, more than 1.3 million fans headed to an AFL game at Marvel Stadium.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said: “Marvel Stadium hosts nearly a quarter of the AFL season’s matches, our new pricing strategy with Ticketmaster removes a barrier and provides an immediate saving for fans.
“Our commitment continues to make AFL games as accessible and affordable as possible. Over 7.5 million fans attended the footy in 2019, our clubs do a great job in providing fun and engaging match days and we will continue to give fans the best opportunity to enjoy a game of AFL footy.”
The AFL’s decision removes a Aus$3.10 (£1.60/€1.90/$2.10) charge per transaction for tickets to Marvel Stadium games. Coinciding with the booking fee announcement, the AFL has also announced a three-year price freeze of general admission tickets to matches at Marvel Stadium. Adults will continue to be charged Aus$27, concessions Aus$18 and children Aus$5. A family ticket for two adults and two children is priced at Aus$54.
The AFL and Ticketmaster’s decision for Marvel Stadium games has been welcomed by AFL Fans Association president Gerry Eeman, who has called on other stadia to follow suit. “Keeping AFL games accessible for families is great for the long-term health of the game,” Eeman told The Age newspaper. “In some cases, booking fees can be used as a licence to print money.
“Hopefully those who run other AFL venues will take notice and follow Marvel Stadium’s lead. Making footy more affordable is a win-win that will put more bums on seats.”
Image: Ticketmaster
