AFL and Ticketmaster move to scrap ticket booking fees at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

Announcing a new pricing strategy to make games more accessible for fans, the AFL and Ticketmaster are to cease charging transaction fees for all AFL, Hyundai A-League and Big Bash League cricket matches held at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

The AFL, which owns the Melbourne Dockland venue, sees the venture as a means to further enhance its commitment to access and affordability.

Coming into effect immediately for AFL matches, with tickets going on sale to AFL and club members for the 2020 Premiership season on 24th February, AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan says the move with Ticketmaster is a huge win for fans.

McLachlan advised "Marvel Stadium hosts nearly a quarter of the AFL season's matches (and) our new pricing strategy with Ticketmaster removes a barrier and provides an immediate saving for fans.”

There will be 43 home and away AFL matches scheduled at Marvel Stadium across the 2020 season, with St Kilda (14), Western Bulldogs (12), and Carlton (10) accounting for the most games at the 56,000-capacity venue.

McLachlan added “our commitment continues to make AFL games as accessible and affordable as possible. Over 7.5 million fans attended the footy in 2019, our clubs do a great job in providing fun and engaging match days and we will continue to give fans the best opportunity to enjoy a game of AFL footy.”

The AFL’s decision removes a A$3.10 charge per transaction for tickets to Marvel Stadium games. Coinciding with the booking fee announcement, the AFL has also announced a three-year price freeze of general admission tickets to matches at Marvel Stadium.

Adults will continue to be charged A$27, concessions A$18 and children A$5. A family ticket for two adults and two children is priced at A$54.

The AFL and Ticketmaster’s decision for Marvel Stadium games has been welcomed by AFL Fans Association President Gerry Eeman, who has called on other stadia to follow suit.

Eeman told The Age newspaper “keeping AFL games accessible for families is great for the long-term health of the game.

“In some cases, booking fees can be used as a licence to print money.

“Hopefully those who run other ­AFL venues will take notice and follow Marvel Stadium’s lead. Making footy more affordable is a win-win that will put more bums on seats.”