25 September, 2023

Your Guide to AFL Grand Final Week at the 'G

The biggest week of the year is here – it’s AFL Grand Final Week!

Whether your team is through to that one day in September, or you’re just a lover of sport, there is plenty to do around the ‘G this week.

Get into the Spirit of September on an MCG Tour

There’s a special kind of buzz at the ‘G in AFL Grand Final Week.

Soak up at the atmosphere and excitement as we countdown to Collingwood and Brisbane Lions on the biggest day of the footy calendar, and a take a look behind-the-scenes on an MCG Tour.

MCG Tours depart regularly from 10.00am to 3.00pm from Gate 3 of the MCG. Please note, due to AFL Grand Final preparations, Tours will not operate on Tuesday September 26 and Thursday September 28. However there is plenty of availability on all other days.

Pre-booking is advised due to the expected high demand of Tours during AFL Grand Final Week.

Learn more about the history of Aussie Rules in the Australian Sports Museum

The Australian Sports Museum is no ordinary museum.

Your one-stop shop for celebrating all things sport in Australia, the Australian Sports Museum has something for everyone.

With interactive displays, touch screens, life-size videos and an entire section dedicated to showing your sporting skills – the Australian Sports Museum is the perfect spot for family fun this week.

Explore the Australian Football Gallery, learn more about the members of the Australian Football Hall of Fame and put your goal-kicking skills to the test in Game On!

The Australian Sports Museum is open Monday – Friday from 10.00am to 5.00pm via Gate 3 of the MCG.

Grab a bite to eat in one of the MCG’s non-match day dining options

Did you know the MCG has a number of non-match day dining options for everyone to enjoy throughout the week?

Once you’re done exploring the fun of the Footy Festival, choose one of the best seats in the house to enjoy a special September meal with friends and family. Casual dining is available in the Trumble Bar and Café (located between Gates 1 and 2) and the Paddock Café (located inside Gate 3 near the Australian Sports Museum). No reservations are needed – just stop by and grab a table.

For a special dining experience, the Committee Room by Grossi, located in the iconic MCC Committee Room on Level 2, is open to the public and bookable for lunch Tuesday to Friday. Enjoy views of the iconic ground as you dine on beloved Melbourne chef Guy Grossi’s specialty meals.

For more information, click on the links below:

Enjoy the vibes in the Footy Festival

The Footy Festival returns to Yarra Park for 2023.

The parklands surrounding the MCG will turn into a hub for all footy lovers – with giveaways, entertainment, player appearances, food trucks and activities for people young and old in the days leading up to the big game.

Running from Wednesday September 27 until Saturday September 30, get to the surrounds of the MCG and soak up the AFL Grand Final Week buzz.

Cheer on your team in the AFL Grand Final Parade

It’s a tradition of AFL Grand Final Week, as players preparing for one of the biggest games of their career are driven past thousands of adoring fans en route to the MCG.

The AFL Grand Final Parade will once again finish in the surrounds of the MCG, as the parade takes a new route in 2023.

Beginning at the live site in Melbourne Park, the parade will travel along Birrarung Marr and over William Barak Bridge towards the MCG, before finishing on centre-stage in Yarra Park with the backdrop of the ‘G and Melbourne skyline.

Come along, wear your colours and cheer on your team as they prepare for the final match of the year.

Get prepared for the big day

It’s the biggest day of the footy calendar – and with a capacity crowd expected, get prepared for the big day early with these key things you need to know:

Getting to the ‘G
To ensure you are inside the Ground in time for the match start, arrive early and leave plenty of time for the entry process.

Find your best way to get to the MCG with our journey planner and transport option tools. For information on public transport, pedestrian access, taxi ranks and more, click here.

Please note: there is no general public parking in Yarra Park on Saturday. Limited parking is available for accessibility and accredited passholders only.

Key timings
MCC Members Gates open for unreserved seats: 8.00am
MCC Members Gates open for reserved seat ticket holders: 9.00am
General public Gates open: 9.30am
Match starts: 2.30pm

Merchandise
Get your colours on and show your support with the latest Club merchandise.

Merchandise will be available to purchase in the Footy Festival in Yarra Park, the external concourse of the MCG, and inside the stadium at the MCG Shop, located inside Gate 3.

Places to eat and drink
There’s plenty of places to eat and drink at the ‘G on AFL Grand Final Day. From gate opening all food outlets, bars and restaurants will be open inside the venue for patrons to enjoy.

Click here for the stadium directory to find your nearest food or drink outlet.

Food will also be available in the Footy Festival in Yarra Park surrounding the MCG.

Getting into the stadium
To access the MCG, please enter via the Gate listed on your ticket. Plan ahead and check your route to your gate. Click here for a map of the MCG Gate locations.

The MCG is a cashless venue

A reminder that the MCG operates as a cashless venue. All purchases, including food, drink and merchandise, must be made via EFTPOS or a relevant gift card.

More information
For additional information regarding the 2023 AFL Grand Final, please visit the relevant event page on our website: