Sunday night’s Opening Round clash at the MCG is already shaping as one of the hottest tickets in town, but the action won’t be limited to what happens on the field.
From the moment fans arrive at Yarra Park, there will be plenty to see, hear and experience before the first bounce.
The Saints Get Loud Zone, located between Gates 2 and 3, will be the perfect place to get into the footy spirit. Fans can create their own custom footy card in the Chery photo booth, jump into the red, white and black with Saints face painting artists, or try their luck at the Westinghouse activation for a chance to win a signed 2026 guernsey.
Adding to the atmosphere, marching bands from Melbourne Youth Orchestras can be found on the concourse between Gates 1 and 2, helping build the energy before fans head inside the ground. Those looking to complete their game-day look can also swing by Saints Locker outside Gate 2 to grab the latest merchandise.
Once inside the MCG, the entertainment continues.
Saints legend Nick Riewoldt may hold the record for the most marks in AFL history, but on Sunday night he’ll be hoping to help create a new one. Triple M’s Million Dollar Mark will take centre stage at 6.52pm, with lucky entrants attempting to take a grab that could see them walk away with $1 million.
A handful of Saints supporters will also experience the game like never before. Eight lucky fans will be selected for the ultimate night at the footy in the exclusive O-Wens Bar on the Ponsford Stage, complete with premium seats and readily available food and drinks, hosted by the Marmalade crew.
The entertainment doesn’t stop there.
With a fresh and energised squad ready for the season ahead, the Saints will unveil a brand new team run-out ritual designed to get the crowd involved. Led by Riewoldt alongside Ollie Geale and viral Saints fan Amber, supporters will be invited to take part in the club’s new call-and-response moment when the Saints take the field.
And for anyone not quite ready to farewell summer, there will also be a chance to win a trip to Fiji at half time thanks to Tourism Fiji and Virgin Australia.
With a blockbuster game, plenty of entertainment and a sea of red, white and black expected to fill the MCG, Sunday night promises to be a memorable way to kick off the AFL season.
Tickets are selling fast. Secure your seat via Ticketek today.
Game day schedule
Ticket boxes open: 4:15pm
MCC Gates Open: 4:45pm
Saints Get Loud Zone (between gates 2 & 3): 5:00pm
Gates Open: 5:30pm
Saints Locker (outside gate 2): 5:30pm
Melbourne Youth Orchestras concourse roaming: from 6:00pm
Player On-field Warm Up: 6.35pm
Million Dollar Mark: 6:52pm
Team Entry & Knock Knock O’Clock: 7:07pm
First Bounce: 7:20pm
