There’s nowhere in Australia that does sport like Victoria.
This year’s AFL Grand Final delivered a massive boost for the state’s economy, tourism sector and reputation as the nation’s premier events destination.
The MCG once again played host to the biggest day on the sporting calendar, with fans from across the country descending on Melbourne with 100,023 attending on the day.
Interstate travellers flock to Melbourne
Melbourne Airport welcomed 243,000 passengers on Thursday and Friday, with 52 additional return flights from Perth this week compared to the same week last year as visitors made their way to Victoria for the big dance.
Hotels booked out across the city
Early data from CoStar shows that hotel occupancy was at 87 per cent over the weekend, with the influx of interstate visitors benefiting venues and retailers across the CBD and surrounds.
Busiest October ever around the corner
Victoria isn’t slowing down – October will see Melbourne Park host its busiest events schedule on record.
Fans and visitors will flock to the precinct for Olivia Dean, Tame Impala, South Melbourne vs Melbourne Victory, the NBL and more – with the month expected to draw over 350,000 fans across 55 events.
This follows the enormous success of the MCG blockbuster clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers this month.
Melbourne is now the first city in the world to host an NFL regular-season game, a Formula One Grand Prix and a tennis Grand Slam – another global first for Australia’s sporting capital.
Victoria’s major events calendar generated $3.64 billion in economic impact in 2025 and attracted close to 8 million attendances, supporting almost 17,000 jobs across the sector and broader visitor economy.
As stated by Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines:
“There’s no better place in the world to be than Victoria during finals season – this Grand Final has once again shown why no one does sport like Victoria.”
“October is shaping up to be Melbourne Park’s biggest month yet, with more great events around the corner.”
As stated by Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Natalie Suleyman
“This has been a great boost to Victoria’s economy, with interstate fans travelling from across the nation to be right here amongst the action.”
