AFL and Ticketmaster move to scrap ticket booking fees at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

February 14, 2020

Announcing a new pricing strategy to make games more accessible for fans, the AFL and Ticketmaster are to cease charging transaction fees for all AFL, Hyundai A-League and Big Bash League cricket matches held at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

The AFL, which owns the Melbourne Dockland venue, sees the venture as a means to further enhance its commitment to access and affordability.

Coming into effect immediately for AFL matches, with tickets going on sale to AFL and club members for the 2020 Premiership season on 24th February, AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan says the move with Ticketmaster is a huge win for fans.

McLachlan advised "Marvel Stadium hosts nearly a quarter of the AFL season's matches (and) our new pricing strategy with Ticketmaster removes a barrier and provides an immediate saving for fans.”

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.

McLachlan added “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 A$3.10 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 A$27, concessions A$18 and children A$5. A family ticket for two adults and two children is priced at A$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.

Eeman told The Age newspaper “keeping AFL games accessible for families is great for the long-term health of the game.

“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.”

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13th January 2020 - Fair Work Ombudsman alleges underpayment of stadium cleaners

20th December 2019 - New Spartan Race format to make Australian debut at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

25th November 2019 - Rugby Australia takes 2020 Bledisloe Cup Test to Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

21st November 2019 - Ticketmaster fans name Come from Away as Australia’s 2019 Ticket of the Year

7th November 2019 - Ticketmaster to fund ticketing technology upgrade for NRL’s Sea Eagles

4th November 2019 - AFL announces new management arrangements for Marvel Stadium

2nd November 2019 - Marvel Stadium reveals 2020 season AFL calendar

8th September 2019 - Tennis Australia and Ticketmaster agree partnership for tennis events

30th July 2019 - Ticketmaster to introduce new anti-ticket scalping technology in Australia

28th June 2019 - Ticketmaster sells North Queensland Stadium’s first ever tickets

28th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium roof to remain closed for AFL games

16th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium to review ‘intimidating’ AFL security measures

6th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium becomes first Australian venue awarded Global Venue of the Year

2nd May 2019 - Quayclean prepares for AFL triple header at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

18th February 2019 - Cheapest AFL tickets for 2019 season to rise for the first time since 2014

20th September 2018 - Growing support sees AFL fans unhappy at finals ticket allocations

2nd August 2018 - AFL memberships exceed one million for first time

24th May 2018 - Disney secures naming rights at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium

30th April 2018 - Etihad Stadium welcomes 40-millionth event patron

4th April 2017 - Ticketmaster unveils new technology to enhance fans’ ticket buying experience

7th October 2016 - AFL agrees Etihad Stadium purchase

1st July 2016 - AFL plans $300 million upgrade of Etihad Stadium

9th September 2015 - AFL and NRL compete on pricing for Final tickets

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