Etihad Stadium
Melbourne's Etihad Stadium will amaze you with its huge retractable roof and a lush green carpet of turf – all managed by computer.
Roman amphitheatre-style seating brings you closer to the centre stage action, creating an atmosphere that is legendary among sporting fans.
The stadium hosts Australian Football League (AFL) games – also known as Aussie Rules – in the winter months from March to September.
Home of Australian Football
Melbourne is the home of AFL, and on match days you'll see many locals proudly wearing or waving their team's colours, on the way to a game. The huge crowds contribute to a welcoming family atmosphere, as they converge on Melbourne's modern Docklands area.
On match days, gates open approximately 2 hours before start times.
Meeting Places
Popular meeting places for the stadium include the External Super Screen, near the Gate 3 ticket kiosk and the LiveWire Public Entertainment precinct, Concourse Café, Gate 2.
Event tickets
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or Ticketek for all Etihad Stadium events. AFL match tickets can also be purchased at Gate 2, Etihad Stadium on the day of the match.
Food and drink
Food and drink kiosks operate around the stadium on event days. You'll find the Food Court on site between gates 8 and 9. Several bars operate inside, including Axcess One, the EJ Whitten, and the Cougars Sports Bar and Locker Room.
Outside the venue, you're spoilt for choice with bars, restaurants, cafes and snack bars in the surrounding Docklands area; in the City, along Spencer and King Streets; and the North Quay precinct, bordering Victoria Harbour.
If it's fast food you're after, you'll find sandwiches, rolls and foccacias to tempt you nearby. Mamma's Pizza, Subway and Nando's Bar and Grill are popular options along the Concourse.
Pubs in the vicinity include the Keepers Arms in North Melbourne and the Colonial Hotel, Charles Dickens Tavern and Metropolitan Hotel in the City.
Where to stay
The Southbank precinct offers options close by, including Melbourne's international hotel and Casino complex. Accommodation along Spencer Street in the city ranges from five star international hotels to backpacker hostels. Apartment accommodation at Docklands includes the Grand Mercure, Docklands Prestige, and Harbour Escape apartments.
Getting there
Address: Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
On match days, enter from either the Bourke Street Extension (Car Park B & B), or Wurundjeri Way (Car Park D & E). Staff are on duty to help with directions.
Non-match days, enter through Car Park B from the Bourke Street Extension.
An elevated, 20-metre wide pedestrian bridge provides access to the front entrance of Etihad Stadium from Southern Cross Station.
