MELBOURNE, 17 February 2026 – The race for 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season tickets has officially intensified today, with major Victorian clubs and the league confirming key on-sale dates and a significant price freeze for fans. As of 10:00 am AEDT today, member pre-sales have opened for Rounds 1–15, marking the first major opportunity for supporters to secure seats for the first half of the season.
Latest Updates: 2026 Ticket On-Sale Dates
The AFL has structured the 2026 ticket release in phases to manage demand. Following today’s member pre-sale, general public access for the initial rounds will follow shortly. Notably, the league has confirmed a price freeze on General Admission tickets at both the MCG and Marvel Stadium to maintain affordability amidst rising living costs.
- Today (Tuesday 17 February): Member pre-sales for Rounds 1–15 commenced at 10:00 am AEDT for clubs including Carlton, Western Bulldogs, and Essendon.
- Wednesday 18 February: General public tickets for Rounds 1–15 are scheduled to go on sale for most clubs.
- Tuesday 24 February: Specific ticket release for Rounds 1–6 (excluding Gather Round).
- Tuesday 24 March: Tickets for Rounds 7–10 will be made available.
AFL Membership Categories and Access
Securing a membership remains the most reliable way to guarantee access to high-demand fixtures, including the ANZAC Day clash and the AFL Grand Final. Different tiers offer varying levels of access to the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
| Membership Tier | Access Description | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Membership | Full Season Access | Priority access to AFL Grand Final tickets; witness every moment of the Premiership Season. |
| Silver Membership | Premiership Season Access | Access to home and away games; restricted Grand Final access compared to Gold. |
| Bronze Membership | Up to 15 Games | Access to 15 games at MCG/Marvel Stadium (typically excludes ANZAC Day). |
| Club-Specific (e.g., Flexi-4) | Selected Games | Flexible entry to 4-5 home games; ideal for casual supporters. |
Digital Ticketing and Entry
For the 2026 season, the AFL has reinforced that all tickets purchased via official partners like Ticketmaster are strictly digital. Fans are encouraged to download the relevant ticketing app well in advance of match day. Mobile tickets provide a secure way to manage barcodes and allow for easy transfer between family and friends if a member cannot attend.
The league has also introduced seven new rule changes for the 2026 season aimed at reducing match lengths by approximately three minutes, which officials believe will improve the “at-ground” experience for ticket holders by tightening the pace of play.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do AFL Grand Final tickets go on sale?
Grand Final tickets are typically managed through a ballot system for club members of the participating teams. Priority is given to AFL Gold Members and certain high-tier club members. Public ticket allocations for the Grand Final are extremely limited and often sold as part of corporate hospitality packages.
Is there a price increase for tickets in 2026?
No. The AFL has officially locked in a price freeze for General Admission tickets at the MCG and Marvel Stadium for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season to ensure the game remains accessible for families.
How do I access my member tickets?
Members can access their tickets via their club’s official app or the Ticketmaster/Ticketek account linked to their membership. It is recommended to add these tickets to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) before arriving at the stadium to avoid delays caused by connectivity issues.
What is the “Gather Round” ticketing process?
Gather Round (Round 5) tickets are handled separately from the standard round releases. Because all matches are played in South Australia, a unique ticketing window was opened in late 2025, though limited returns may be available closer to the event in April.