How to Buy AFL 2026 Tickets? (Booking Process, Prices & Tips)

Author By:

Liam Carter

April 16, 2026

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AFL 2026 spans 14 venues, 18 clubs, and every state and territory. Thirty matches are already on the fixture through May alone, with on-sale dates that kicked off as early as 3 February. 

2 platforms control every transaction: Ticketek or Ticketmaster,  locked to the venue, not the team. Pick the wrong one, and you are hunting the right page while seats vanish. Perth fans face the toughest deal: Optus Stadium offers zero general admission for both Fremantle and West Coast games, reserved seat or nothing. 4 other venues are standing room only. 

7 grounds include free public transport. 16 MCG matches are open for community group applications right now.

How to Buy AFL 2026 Tickets Step by Step

Visit the AFL Match Center at afl.com.au and click Buy Tickets on your match. Every link goes directly to the correct platform for that venue.

How to Buy AFL 2026 Tickets
Source: AFL
  1. Go to afl.com.au and open the Match Center, or go directly to Ticketek or Ticketmaster. Search by date, team, or venue.
  2. Select your seating category, general admission or reserved seat,  then choose your ticket type: adult, junior (ages 6 to 14), or concession.
  3. Complete payment. All tickets are digital. No physical tickets are issued.
  4. Access your ticket through the Ticketek or Ticketmaster app or your mobile wallet. If buying for others, use the Ticket Forward function. Recipients must accept and download before match day, or they will be denied entry.

Ticketek or Ticketmaster — Which Platform Do You Need

The platform is fixed to the venue, not the match. Using the wrong site wastes time and may show you incorrect availability.

VenueClubPlatform
Adelaide OvalAdelaide CrowsTicketek
Adelaide OvalPort AdelaideTicketek
ENGIE StadiumGWS GiantsTicketmaster
GMHBA StadiumGeelong CatsTicketmaster
Manuka OvalGWS GiantsTicketek
Mars StadiumAll clubsTicketmaster
Marvel StadiumAll clubsTicketmaster
MCGAll clubsTicketek
Ninja StadiumRichmondTicketek
Optus StadiumFremantleTicketmaster
Optus StadiumWest Coast EaglesTicketmaster
People First StadiumGold Coast SunsTicketek
SCGSydney SwansTicketmaster
The GabbaBrisbane LionsTicketmaster
TIO StadiumGold Coast SunsTicketmaster
TIO Traeger ParkMelbourneTicketmaster
UTAS StadiumHawthornTicketmaster

General Admission vs Reserved Seats at Every Venue

General admission is first in, best dressed. You get into the ground, but not a specific seat. For big games or venues with limited GA areas, upgrading to a reserved seat is the safer call.

VenueGeneral AdmissionNotes
Adelaide Oval (Crows)YesUpgrade via Ticketek for high-demand games
Adelaide Oval (Port Adelaide)YesSections 520 to 544 (rows Y to back), Sections 142 to 145, or The Hill
Blundstone ArenaYesUpgrade via Ticketek for high-demand games
ENGIE StadiumYesUpgrade via Ticketmaster for high-demand games
GMHBA StadiumYesUpgrade via Ticketmaster for high-demand games
Hands OvalYesUpgrade via Ticketmaster
Manuka OvalYesUpgrade via Ticketek for high-demand games
Mars StadiumLimitedStanding room only
Marvel StadiumYesLevel 3 only, entry via any public gate
MCGYesExcludes Anzac Day. Check mcg.org.au the week of the game
Optus Stadium (Fremantle)NoReserved seat is required. Purchase via Ticketmaster
Optus Stadium (West Coast)NoReserved seat is required. Purchase via Ticketmaster
People First StadiumYesEither end of the ground
SCGYesLimited unreserved seating in the Red Zone. Dress regulations apply. Entry via Gate A, or Gates J or H from MP1 Car Park
The GabbaYesScan into GA on arrival
TIO StadiumLimitedStanding room only
TIO Traeger ParkLimitedStanding room only
University of Tasmania StadiumNoReserved seat upgrade only via Ticketmaster

Two things worth knowing before you go. Anzac Day Premiership Passes do not cover MCG entry for Collingwood and Essendon players or members; contact your club. 

At the SCG, arrive early to secure a Red Zone seat and check the Sydney Swans match day page for dress regulations before you travel.

2026 On-Sale Dates by Venue

Members get priority access before general public sales open. Times listed are local to each venue.

VenueClubMembers On-SalePublic On-Sale
Adelaide OvalAdelaide Crows10am ACDT, Tue 10 Feb10am ACDT, Fri 13 Feb
Adelaide OvalPort Adelaide12pm ACDT, Tue 3 Feb12pm ACDT, Fri 6 Feb
ENGIE StadiumGWS Giants10am AEDT, Tue 10 Feb10am AEDT, Wed 11 Feb
GMHBA StadiumGeelong Cats10am AEDT, Wed 11 Feb2pm AEDT, Wed 11 Feb
Manuka OvalGWS Giants10am AEDT, Tue 10 Feb10am AEDT, Wed 11 Feb
Marvel StadiumAll clubs10am AEDT, Tue 17 Feb10am AEDT, Wed 18 Feb
MCGAll clubs10am AEDT, Tue 17 Feb10am AEDT, Wed 18 Feb
MCG (Anzac Day)All clubs10am AEDT, Fri 20 Feb10am AEDT, Mon 23 Feb
Ninja StadiumRichmondTBCTBC
Optus StadiumFremantle10am AWST, Tue 24 Feb2pm AWST, Tue 24 Feb
Optus StadiumWest Coast Eagles10am AWST, Wed 18 Feb10am AWST, Thu 19 Feb
People First StadiumGold Coast Suns1pm AEST, Tue 10 Feb10am AEST, Wed 11 Feb
SCGSydney Swans10am AEDT, Mon 9 Feb10am AEDT, Tue 10 Feb
The GabbaBrisbane Lions10am AEST, Mon 9 Feb10am AEST, Tue 10 Feb
TIO StadiumGold Coast SunsCurrently on saleCurrently on sale
TIO Traeger ParkMelbourneCurrently on saleCurrently on sale
UTAS StadiumHawthornTBCTBC

Junior, Concession, and Free Entry Rules

Under-5s enter free but cannot occupy a seat. Ages 6 to 14 qualify for a junior ticket.

Junior, Concession, and Free Entry Rules
Source: Herald Sun

Anyone 15 or over is treated as an adult unless they hold a valid concession identification, which must be presented at purchase and again at the gate.

Concession CardWho Qualifies
Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink)Primary cardholder only
DVA Card or DVA Pensioner Concession CardPrimary cardholder only
Full-time secondary or tertiary student cardAustralian students only, not international student cards
Health Care Card (Centrelink)Primary cardholder only

Companion Card

The AFL is part of the national Companion Card program. A companion of any cardholder receives a free admission ticket at all AFL venues. This applies across every ground on the fixture.

Free Public Transport on Match Day

Seven venues across Australia include free travel on match day. These offers are managed by local transport authorities, not the AFL, so confirm with the relevant provider before you travel.

VenueWhat Is Free
Adelaide OvalFree travel on Adelaide Metro for specified events
Manuka OvalFree travel on all Transport Canberra services
Marvel StadiumWithin PTV Free Tram Zone
Optus StadiumFree travel via Transperth
People First StadiumFree on G: Link, Queensland Rail, and Kinetic Busline. Limited free shuttle from selected locations
SCGReturn public transport is included with your ticket via Transport NSW
The GabbaFree on Queensland Rail City Network trains and Bus Queensland buses. Airtrain not included

Free Tickets for Schools and Community Groups

The AFL Community Support Ticketing Program offers up to 40 complimentary tickets per group to selected MCG matches. Schools, junior football clubs, youth groups, and registered community organizations are eligible.

Free Tickets for Schools and Community Groups
Source: AFL 

Tickets cover adults, juniors, and concession categories. They cannot be upgraded, sold, or used in raffles or competitions.

Applications for the 2026 season are open now. Apply at afl.com.au before the allocation runs out. Email [email protected] with questions.

Eligible matches for Rounds 1 to 15 are all at the MCG:

RoundMatchDate
Rd 1Collingwood v Adelaide CrowsSat 14 Mar
Rd 1Melbourne v St KildaSun 15 Mar
Rd 2Hawthorn v Sydney SwansThu 19 Mar
Rd 2Richmond v Gold Coast SunsSat 21 Mar
Rd 3Carlton v MelbourneSun 29 Mar
Rd 4Richmond v Port AdelaideSat 4 Apr
Rd 4Melbourne v Gold Coast SunsSun 5 Apr
Rd 6Melbourne v Brisbane LionsSun 19 Apr
Rd 9Richmond v Adelaide CrowsSun 10 May
Rd 10Melbourne v HawthornSat 16 May
Rd 10Essendon v FremantleSun 17 May
Rd 12Carlton v Geelong CatsFri 29 May
Rd 13Hawthorn v Western BulldogsFri 5 Jun
Rd 14Melbourne v EssendonSat 13 Jun
Rd 15Collingwood v Port AdelaideSat 20 Jun
Rd 15Richmond v North MelbourneSun 21 Jun

Rounds 16 to 24 eligible matches will be announced later in the season.

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Conclusion: Ticketek and Ticketmaster Are the Only Places to Buy AFL 2026 Tickets

AFL 2026 ticketing runs through Ticketek or Ticketmaster, and the split is fixed by venue, not by match or team. Perth fans at Optus Stadium have no general admission option and must buy a reserved seat through Ticketmaster. 

Seven venues across the country offer free public transport with your ticket. Children under 5 enter free, Companion Cardholders get a free admission ticket at every ground, and eligible community groups can apply for up to 40 complimentary MCG tickets. 

All tickets are digital. Get your platform right, check your on-sale date, and book before the high-demand games close out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I buy AFL 2026 tickets?

Through Ticketek or Ticketmaster, depending on the venue. Go to afl.com.au, open the Match Center, and click Buy Tickets. The link goes straight to the correct platform.

Is there general admission at Optus Stadium?

No. Fremantle and West Coast Eagles home games require a reserved seat. Buy via Ticketmaster, subject to availability.

Does my Premiership Pass cover Anzac Day at the MCG?

No. Collingwood and Essendon members should contact their club directly for ticket options.

Who qualifies for a junior AFL ticket?

Children aged 6 to 14 as of 1 January. Kids 5 and under enter free but cannot occupy a seat.

How are tickets delivered?

All tickets are digital via the Ticketek or Ticketmaster app or mobile wallet. Forwarded tickets must be accepted and downloaded before match day or entry will be refused.

Can community groups get free AFL tickets?

Yes. Schools, junior football clubs, and registered community organizations can apply for up to 40 complimentary tickets to selected MCG matches at afl.com.au.

Author By:

Liam Carter

Liam has over a decade of experience covering AFL, NRL, and cricket. He focuses on match insights, player performance, and clear, data-backed analysis for Australian sports fans. He has covered major domestic leagues and international fixtures, bringing a strong understanding of game situations and team dynamics. His approach combines statistics with real match context, helping readers get simple and practical insights from every game.

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