Join us for the highly anticipated 2025 NAB AFLW Dreamtime Match - a spectacular celebration of Indigenous culture, women's football, and the vibrant spirit of the Northern Territory. This year, we are thrilled to again host an unforgettable evening of sport, storytelling, and community connection. 

Match Day Information: 

Date: Friday, 29 August 2025 
Time: 6:45PM (ACST) 
Venue: TIO Stadium, on Larrakia Country 
Teams:  Richmond Tigers vs Essendon Bombers 

Tickets: 

Competing club AFLW members can scan into TIO Stadium using their mobile membership, found within their clubs ticketing app.  

Non-members can purchase their tickets online via Ticketmaster, or at the ticket box (see times below). We strongly encourage spectators to purchase their tickets online prior to attending the match as we expect long wait times at the ticket boxes. 

Ticket Prices: 

  • Adult: $15.00 

  • Junior: Complimentary, ticket and supervising adult required 

  • Kantilla's Members Bar: $149.00 

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Children aged 0-17 as of 1 January 2025 are entitled to enter the ground at no charge; however, they must hold a valid ticket for entry. Persons aged 18 and over as of 1 January 2024 are classified as an adult.  

Seating is unreserved in the Maurice Rioli Grandstand (subject to set areas by stadium management) 

If you require assistance in obtaining accessible seating or have a companion card or special needs, please phone the Ticketmaster accessibility support line 1300 446 925 (Mon-Fri between 9am to 5pm AEDT). 

Key Event Timings: Friday 29 August 2025 

  • 2:30pm: Bonson Ticket Box open 

  • 3:00pm: Bonson Gates open 

  • 3:30 pm: Remote Women Development Training Session 

  • 4:00 pm: One way traffic commences (Abala Loop) 

  • 4:30 pm: Ah Mat Ticket Box open 

  • 5:00 pm: Ah Mat & Scoreboard Gates open 

  • 6:00 pm: AFLW Player Warm-up (on-field) 

  • 6:20 pm: Pre-Match Entertainment – Emily Wurramara 

  • 6:29 pm: Umpires enter field 

  • 6:30 pm: Richmond AFLW enter field  

  • 6:33 pm: Essendon AFLW enter field 

  • 6:39 pm: Pre-Match Ceremony 

  • 6:43 pm: Coin Toss 

  • 6:45 pm: NAB AFLW Dreamtime in Darwin Match Commences 

  • 8:40 pm: Approximate completion of match 

  • Post Match: Maccas Kick2Kick (on second siren, for 15 minutes) 

Venue Information:   

Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network | Blak Market 

Located on the grass, inside the Bonson Gate, NTIBN will be hosting a Blak Market with members hosting stalls showcasing a range of art, crafts and products. Stallholders include Mim Cole, KingKing Creative, DandiArt Australia and Joanne Nasir Art. 

 

 

Guard of Honour Participants 

 

All Guard of Honour participants are asked to assemble by 6:10pm sharp. 

Richmond Football Club participants: please meet at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre end (near the Cricket Nets). 

Essendon Football Club participants: please meet below stairwell four on the grassed area. 

 

On arrival, check in with the Game Development or Club Coordinator. You will then be briefed and escorted onto the field in preparation to form the Guard of Honour as the teams run out. 

 

NAB AFLW Auskick Half-Time Participants 

 

All NAB AFL Auskick participants who are scheduled to play during the half-time break are to meet at the changerooms on TIO Oval #2 by quarter-time (approximately 7:05pm). Coordinators will be present to organise the groups, place in the correct apparel and ensure all players are ready to take the field at half-time.  

 

Camping Chairs 

Camping chairs and collapsible stools are permitted within the venue however these must be placed behind the marked line around the perimeter of the field in order to not obstruct those utilising a picnic rug.  

Family Friendly Zone (No Alcohol Permitted) 

The Family Friendly Zone is located at the Airport End of the venue and is strictly an alcohol free zone.  

Carpentaria Accessible Viewing Platform 

For those requiring an accessible area to enjoy the match, we are excited to provide you with access to the Carpentaria Accessible Platform at the Airport End of the venue. Alternatively, there are limited wheelchair viewing bays available within the Maurice Rioli Grandstand.  

If you require assistance, please visit the Carpentaria assistance marquee located within the Bonson Gate or ask one of the friendly event staff. 

Sensory Bags 

Sensory bags, equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools and visual cue cards are available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. You will require photo ID to obtain the use of a sensory bag. 

Animals & Service Dogs 

All animals (except Service Dogs) are not permitted within the venue. Please ensure you bring along all required documentation and evidence to ensure you and your service companion are permitted in the venue.  

Smoking and Vaping:   

Smoking & Vaping are strictly prohibited within TIO Stadium. Designated smoking and vaping areas are available outside the Bonson & Ah Mat gates. Failure to follow these directions, may result in eviction from the venue. 

Food and Beverage: 

The TIO Stadium kiosk will be open from 3:00 pm 

Additional food stall vendors will operate between TIO Stadium & TIO 2. 

Public licenced bars will operate in the Grandstand, behind the Grandstand and on the centre wing (on the large scoreboard side of the venue) 

You are not permitted to bring beverages (other than sealed bottled water) into the venue. Drink bottles (plastic & metal) must be empty, a complimentary water station is available behind the Grandstand to fill up your bottles, thanks to PowerWater! 

Any outside food must be wrapped in plastic/clear packaging. Commercial take away is not permitted into the venue. Hard eskies are not permitted for carrying.