GMHBA’s Club Chin Chin slashes opening hours to game days, special events only
Despite being hailed a “genuine success”, a popular GMHBA stadium restaurant will abandon regular dining and operate only on select match days and special occasions from 2026.
Geelong’s Club Chin Chin will drastically scale back its operations in 2026, shifting from four days a week year-round to opening on AFL match days and special occasions only.
The popular southeast Asian restaurant located within GMHBA stadium announced on Wednesday diners would have until the end of December to enjoy the current a la carte restaurant offering.
“In 2026, the venue will shift to a game-day and special-event format, opening for major moments including Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve and key matches throughout the year,” a statement read.
“The space will also be available for private events, from birthdays and engagement parties, with the Chin Chin events team on hand to create a standout experience.”
The venue, which opened within the Joel Selwood Stand in May last year, is currently open to the public year-round from 5pm Thursday, 12pm Friday and Saturday, and from 12pm for lunch only on Sunday.
A Club Chin Chin spokeswoman said the revised “event-led calendar” was the best decision for the restaurant moving into its third year.
“Club Chin Chin was originally planned as a one-year pop up, but the response from fans and the broader community encouraged us to continue for a second year,” she said.
“This revised format allows us to bring the venue back for a third season in the way that best suits the space and the stadium experience.”
Despite the restaurant deciding to scale back its operations from next year, Geelong Cats chief executive Steve Hocking said Club Chin Chin had been a “genuine success story”.
“Chris Lucas and his team have delivered exceptional experiences for our members and fans, and we look forward to welcoming supporters in 2026 and strengthening what has become a standout part of the GMHBA stadium experience,” he added.
Club Chin Chin currently offers an a la carte menu as well as three banquet menus, with options ranging from $69 per person to $110 per person.
Fans wishing to dine at the venue on AFL game days going forward can book a dining-only reservation, or spend $280 a head for a dining and ticket package, which includes level 2 seating, a drink on arrival, a “feed me” menu served pre-game and at halftime and access to a private bar for additional purchases.
The Geelong location is the third venue of the Chin Chin franchise founded by hospitality giant Lucas Collective, with other restaurants located in Melbourne and Sydney.
Lucas Collective chief executive Chris Lucas said extending the partnership with the Geelong Cats for a third year was a “no-brainer”.
“The Geelong community has embraced Club Chin Chin in the most generous way, and we’re excited to be there again in 2026 for all the action and moments people love most,” he said.
“I’ve even heard rumours that the players consider our menu part of their ‘performance program’, how could we let them down?”
Originally published as GMHBA’s Club Chin Chin slashes opening hours to game days, special events only
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