We're only a day away from the Sir Doug Nicholls Round Opener between the Gold Coast SUNS and Hawthorn! To help you make the most of your evening, here’s your essential guide to match day at TIO Stadium.
We're expecting a large crowd, which means long queues at gates, food stalls, and bars. To avoid delays, we strongly encourage patrons to arrive early, purchase tickets online in advance, and have them ready for scanning.
Match Day Timings
5:00pm Bonson, Ah Mat, and Scoreboard gates open
6:15pm Corporate Hospitality Packages Commence
6:54pm Sir Doug Nicholls Round Ceremony Commences (approx.)
7:00pm AFL Toyota Premiership Match - Gold Coast SUNS v Hawthorn Hawks
8:08pm Half-Time NAB Auskick (approx.)
9:38pm Match Concludes (approx.) - Maccas Kick2Kick! (after 2nd siren)
Tickets
Online ticket allocation is almost exhausted, with only limited number remaining.
There will also be a small allocation available for purchase at the Bonson and Ah Mat Gates from 4:30pm.
Gates
Bonson, Ah Mat and Scoreboard Gates will be accessible from 5:00pm, patrons are reminded, there are no ticket sales available from scoreboard gate.
To provide the best in-stadium experience, please ensure you familiarise yourself with your ticket entry type and the lane of entry.
You will be required to ensure you line up in the lane labelled to your ticket type. All grandstand reserved seat holders will be provided a wristband at the time of scanning into the stadium whilst Corporate Hospitality guests will be required to collect their wristband from the Bonson Gate prior to entering the venue if it has not been collected prior to the match.
Smoking and Vaping
As of May 2024, Smoking & Vaping is strictly prohibited within TIO Stadium.
Designated smoking and vaping areas are available outside the Bonson Gate, Ah Mat Gate & Scoreboard Gate. Failure to follow these directions, may result in eviction from the venue.
Getting to and from TIO Stadium
Dedicated CDC event buses will run to and from TIO Stadium from Darwin, Stuart Park, Casuarina, Palmerston, and Humpty Doo via Coolalinga. You will need to present your Gold Coast SUNS v Hawthorn ticket to board the bus. Bus capacities are strictly limited and subject to capacity.
Services to TIO Stadium:
Darwin (via Stuart Hwy, Bagot Rd & McMillans Rd): 16:45, 17:30 & 18:15
Palmerston (via Pinelands): 17:00 & 17:45
Rural (Humpty Doo via Coolalinga): 17:30
Services departing TIO Stadium:
Darwin (via Stuart Hwy, Bagot Rd & McMillans Rd): 21:45, 22:00, 22:15 & 22:30
Casuarina: 22:15 & 22:30
Palmerston: 22:15 & 22:30
Rural (one service only): 22:15
Car Parking
Public car parking is available throughout Abala Road and the Marrara Sporting Complex.
Designated accessible parking is located at the Bonson Gate carpark. Patrons are advised to arrive early to avoid queues and traffic congestion.
Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network | Blak Market
Located behind the Family Friendly Zone, NTIBN will be hosting a Blak Market with members hosting stalls showcasing a range of art, crafts and products. Stallholders include Dandi Art, Kungas Cook, Joanne Nasir and KingKing Creative.
Guard of Honour Participants
All Guard of Honour participants are asked to assemble by 6:30pm sharp at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre end of the grandstand. Please ensure you arrive on time and check in with the Game Development coordinator upon arrival. From there, participants will be briefed and escorted onto the field in preparation to form the Guard of Honour as the teams run out.
NAB AFL 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 7:20pm). 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.
Food & Drink
A variety of food stalls will be operating at the venue, offering a range of food and non-alcoholic beverages. You can find them in the following areas:
Near the Scoreboard Entry Gate
Behind the Family Friendly Zone
Behind the Grandstand
Level 2 of the Grandstand
Licensed bars will also be available at the following locations:
Behind the Grandstand
Scoreboard section
On the wings of the Grandstand
Level 2 of the Grandstand
Bar opening times:
Scoreboard, behind the Grandstand, and Level 2 bars: from 5:00pm
Ah Mat and Bonson Wing Bars: from 6:00pm
Please note:
No beverages (except sealed bottled water) are allowed to be brought into the venue.
Any unsealed bottles will need to be empty or will be emptied on arrival.
Thanks to PowerWater you will be able to fill water bottles inside the venue, at the PowerWater refill stations. PowerWater trailer will be located next to INTERSPORT by the Ah Mat Gate. Water Stations have also been set up behind the Family Friendly Area and by the Scoreboard Gate.
Special dietary requirements will be considered - please speak with venue staff if needed.
Merchandise
INTERSPORT will be at the game selling limited Gold Coast SUNS and Hawthorn merchandise. You’ll find them on the concourse behind the grandstand near the Ah Mat Gate. Don’t miss your chance to grab exclusive game-day gear while stocks last!
ATM’s
ATM’s will be available behind the grandstand.
Family Friendly Zone
The Family Friendly Zone is located on the grassy hill at the Bonson Gate end of the field. Patrons are reminded; the Family Friendly Zone is a dry area, with no alcohol permitted at any time.
Carpentaria Accessible Area
For those requiring an accessible area to enjoy the footy, we are excited to provide access to a private accessible area located behind the goals at the airport end of the venue. Further, Sensory packs will be available from inside the Bonson Gate from the Carpentaria Information Stall.
Rugs and Camp Chairs
You can bring fold up camping chair and rugs to sit on. If you bring a camping chair you will be requested to sit on the upper areas of the grassy hills to ensure all can see and enjoy the match!