We're only a few days away from Friday Night Footy in Sir Doug Nicholls Round between the Gold Coast SUNS and Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide). 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
6:00pm Bonson, Ah Mat, and Scoreboard gates open
6:40pm Corporate Hospitality Packages Commence
7:10pm Kobie Dee Pre-Match Entertainment Commences
7:32pm Sir Doug Nicholls Round Ceremony Commences (approx.)
7:40pm AFL Toyota Premiership Match - Gold Coast SUNS v Port Adelaide
8:40pm Half-Time NAB Auskick (approx.)
10:15pm Match Concludes (approx.) - Kick2Kick! (after 2nd siren)
Tickets
Tickets will be available for purchase at Bonson and Ah Mat Gates only.
We strongly encourage all patrons to purchase online to beat the queues! You can purchase tickets from ticketmaster.com.au
What You Can & Can’t Bring
Fold up camping chairs and rugs are permitted.
If bringing a camping chair, please sit on the upper areas of the grass hills to ensure all patrons can enjoy the match.
Sealed plastic water bottles and empty YETI bottles are permitted inside TIO Stadium. Any unsealed bottles will be emptied prior to entry.
No beverages (except sealed bottled water) are permitted to be brought into the venue.
Patrons are welcome to bring sealed food/ snacks into the venue; however, fast food items are not permitted.
Gates
Bonson, Ah Mat, and Scoreboard Gates will be accessible from 6:00pm. Please note, there are no ticket sales available at the Scoreboard Gate.
To ensure the best in-stadium experience, please familiarise yourself with your ticket entry type and the correct entry lane.
Patrons must line up in the lane designated for their ticket type. All grandstand reserved seat holders will be issued a wristband upon entry when their ticket is scanned. Corporate Hospitality guests must collect their wristband from Bonson Gate prior to entering the venue, if it has not already been collected prior to the match.
Bobbi Lockyer Shop
Bobbi Lockyer Shop is a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal art, fashion, and culture, founded by Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyul Nyul and Yawuru artist Bobbi Lockyer. Showcasing her bold artwork alongside Indigenous-owned brands, streetwear, and unique homewares, each piece reflects strong connections to Country and community.
Bobbi will be hosting a pop-up shop inside the Bonson Gate on match day.
Smoking and Vaping
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, Casuarina, Palmerston, and Humpty Doo via Coolalinga. Bus capacities are strictly limited and subject to capacity.
Services to TIO Stadium:
Darwin (via Stuart Hwy, Bagot Rd & McMillans Rd): 17:45, 18:30 & 19:00
Palmerston (via Pinelands): 18:00 & 18:30
Rural (Humpty Doo via Coolalinga): 18:00
Services departing TIO Stadium:
Darwin (via Stuart Hwy, Bagot Rd & McMillans Rd): 22:30, 22:45, 23:00 & 23:15
Casuarina: 22:30 & 22:45
Palmerston: 22:30 & 22:45
Rural (one service only): 22:30
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.
Guard of Honour Participants
All Guard of Honour participants are asked to assemble by 7:10pm 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 8:00pm). 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:
Within Scoreboard 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
Opposite Scoreboard Gate
On the wings of the Grandstand
Level 2 of the Grandstand
Bar opening times:
Scoreboard, behind the Grandstand, and Level 2 bars: from 6.00pm
Ah Mat and Bonson Wing Bars: from 6.30pm
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.
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 Port Adelaide 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.