AFL fans can secure their spot at the Gold Coast SUNS Darwin doubleheader in May and Melbourne Football Club’s Alice Springs match in June, with tickets on sale from Monday 18 December, starting from 12pm for club members, and 2pm for the general public.
The timing is perfect for those looking to bag a last-minute Christmas gift, and tickets start from just $25 for an adult ticket, $15 concession, and $10 for children aged 3 to 14.
Head to www.ticketmaster.com.au to snap up your tickets to the Territory AFL games.
Gold Coast SUNS will play two games in Darwin each year from 2024-2026, with Darwin’s adopted team taking on North Melbourne at TIO Stadium on Saturday, 11 May 2024. This will be followed by a clash against Geelong on Thursday, 16 May, as part of the celebrated Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
There is an extra incentive for interstate footy fans travelling to the Top End to stay a little longer, with the Territory’s largest music festival BASSINTHEGRASS, which Macklemore is headlining, to take place two days after the second SUNS game, on Saturday, 18 May 2024 at iconic Mindil Beach.
In Central Australia, Melbourne Football Club, who came fourth in the 2023 Premiership, will take on Fremantle at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday, 2 June 2024, building on their strong relationship with the Red Centre community.
The games, supported through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), form part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to bring elite sport to the Territory. Footy fans will have an opportunity to meet their AFL heroes, with community engagement activities set to take place alongside the on-field action.
Further details will be confirmed nearer the time. Independent research shows the Territory’s three AFL matches in 2023 generated a total combined expenditure stimulus of $10.4 million.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:
"Some of Australia’s finest AFL players are from the Territory, and we’ll have the opportunity to see them play on home soil alongside their proud family and friends. This also helps up-and-coming Territory players see a pathway for them to achieve their footy dreams.
“Meanwhile, interstate footy fans can travel to the NT to support their team, then stay on to explore the region and enjoy our unique tourism experiences. We’ve got World Heritage sites, stunning waterholes, amazing wildlife encounters, a strong Indigenous culture, and plenty more.
“In addition, the Darwin Territory AFL games will take place a bit earlier than usual next year, supporting the shoulder season and getting the Top End’s major events season off to a great start.”
Quotes attributed to GC SUNS AFL player & Territorian Joel Jeffrey:
“The opportunity to return to Darwin is always a special one, especially for the players from the Northern Territory. “We love playing at TIO Stadium in front of our Territory SUNS members and supporters. Our record there speaks for itself with four wins in the last two seasons.
“It’s also an important opportunity for us to spend time with the local communities and play our part in hopefully inspiring the next generation of SUNS players from the Northern Territory. “We hope to see plenty of red and gold in the stands once again.”
Quotes attributed to Head of AFL NT Sam Gibson:
“The Gold Coast SUNS are great ambassadors for Territory footy and we look forward to welcoming the SUNS back to their home away from home, TIO Stadium. It promises to be a quality array of footy on display over the two rounds in the Top End, and importantly another opportunity for players to engage with the community and fans.”