Footy fever is growing as tickets go on sale from midday today for two big games in the NT, thanks to the Territory Labor Government’s partnership with AFL.
The Melbourne Football Club will take on the Adelaide Crows at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs on 17 May and Darwin’s home team, the Gold Coast SUNS, will take on St Kilda at TIO Stadium on 13 June.
The games are part of a new four-year agreement between the Territory Labor Government and the AFL, which will see the Gold Coast SUNS playing in Darwin and the Melbourne Football Club in Alice Springs until 2023.
It also includes an AFLW match, with Melbourne set to play Carlton on 14 March at TIO Traeger Park.
Gold Coast SUNS star Brandon Ellis will join Darwin players and SUNS recruits Malcolm Rosas, Tayla Thorn and Jasmyn Hewett this weekend to watch the NTFL Women’s Grand Final and the NTFL Men’s Preliminary Final.
Tickets for the two AFL games start from $25 for adults, $15 for concessions and $5 for children aged 6-14. Children aged five and under are free. Tickets are available from www.ntix.com.au
As stated by Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Eva Lawler:
“AFL is the biggest participation sport in the Territory, and the Territory Labor Government’s four-year partnership with the AFL includes the Gold Cast SUNS assisting with the talent pathways in Darwin. This will provide greater opportunities for talented local players to get on AFL and AFLW lists.
“Bringing big games here is part of our Government’s commitment to creating vibrant communities, giving Territorians access to premium sporting events and driving visitation to the Territory. Many loyal footy fans will follow their team all over the country, so this is a great way of getting the NT on their destination list.
“The games are going to be great and I encourage footy fans to book their tickets now.”
As stated by AFLT NT Chief Executive Officer, Stu Totham:
“By working collaboratively with the AFL, NT Government, Gold Coast Football Club and Melbourne Football Club, we have been able to deliver AFL and AFLW games in the NT for four years, a fantastic outcome for Territory football.
“We will be working closely with stakeholders to make these games a success, build on them as key community events and ensure they continue long after the current agreement expires.”
As stated by Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive, Mark Evans:
“We know how much Territorians love their footy and we can’t wait to play the Suns’ inaugural Darwin game as part of our new NT partnership.
“This will be a big game with some of the most exciting young talent in the country on display – I am confident ticket sales will be very strong.
“As part of our NT partnership, we are determined to support and grow Territory football, including seeing more players like Malcom Rosas Jnr, Tayla Thorn, Jasmyn Hewett, Jordann Hickey and Sally Riley come through the pathways and join the Gold Coast Suns’ AFL and AFLW squads.
“To be able to work with AFLNT and the local government to help develop school and community programs to positively impact and inspire the next generation is something we’re really looking forward to.”
As stated by GM of Football and Casey Operations, Melbourne Football Club, Josh Mahoney:
“We have already seen the positive impact these games in the NT have on the local community. We love that they allow young people to rub shoulders with their heroes.
“This is a unique game, playing in the shadows of the MacDonnell Ranges. All football supporters should experience this at least once in their life.”
