AFL imposes price freeze on 2023 season tickets to combat soaring cost of living

The AFL has unveiled its bold plan to ensure Victorians can attend more games, imposing a much-needed ticketing overhaul to beat the cost of living.

Tickets for AFL’s 2023 season will be frozen in a bid to provide affordable tickets as the cost of living soars. Picture: Michael Klein

The price of footy tickets will be frozen at the same price for all Melbourne matches this AFL season, in a cost of living win for fans.

The AFL will on Wednesday announce general admission tickets for adults, concession and kids will be kept at the same price for the fifth year straight.

In a further free kick, the Herald Sun can reveal a family ticket package – trialled for the first five rounds last year – will be rolled out for every home and away match at the MCG and Marvel Stadium this season.

Families will be able to secure a seat for two adults and two kids to any home and away match in Melbourne for $54 – a $10 discount.

(L-R) Maddie Barras, Charlotte Godley and Tom Ryan are joined by kids Rosie, 3, Max, 5, and Jack, 7, celebrate news that the cost of footy tickets will be frozen for 2023. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

AFL executive Kylie Rogers said the league was aware fans were feeling the pinch financially.

“The price freeze and family ticket are part of our commitment to fans in keeping footy prices as affordable and accessible as possible,’’ she said.

“And thanking members and fans who continue to stick by their clubs, as cost-of-living pressures are very much front of mind for every household.’’

The general admission price freeze means adults will pay $27, concession $18 and kids $5 for Melbourne matches.

Kids under four years old will be admitted free.

In a welcome return to normality, AFL club members will again be able to swipe into games with membership cards and hard copy tickets will be sold at stadium gates.

Those practices were banned during Covid restricted seasons.

Footy fans will enjoy a price freeze on 2023 season tickets. Picture: Michael Klein

Tickets for MCG and Marvel Stadium matches will go on sale to club and AFL members on

February 21 and to the general public on February 22.

More than 6.1 million fans attended an AFL match last year but with the new season 30 days away Ms Rogers hoped even more would fill the stands this season.

“We are really aware of the challenges everyone is facing; this is the fifth year in a row we have frozen GA prices,’’ she said.

“It is an important part of continuing to make the game as accessible as possible.’’

The build up to the AFL season comes after record crowds flocked to the Australian Open tennis last month and the Formula One Melbourne Grand Prix sold out quicker than ever.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp has also tipped next month’s Moomba celebrations will draw record crowds, with a fifth day added to the festival.

Originally published as AFL imposes price freeze on 2023 season tickets to combat soaring cost of living