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Do I need to book Melbourne Cricket Ground tours or AFL tickets in advance?
Short answer: Book the MCG tour ahead. The MCG says bookings are essential (checked Oct 12, 2026). For AFL, book early for finals, Anzac Day and big-crowd matches. You can sometimes get into ordinary games on general admission, but it's a gamble.
The details
MCG tours. Tours only operate on select event days and may have varied opening hours. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The tour and the Australian Sports Museum are at Gate 3, Yarra Park, East Melbourne (checked Oct 12, 2026). The venue is open daily with varied hours on MCG event days (checked Oct 12, 2026).
Tour prices. The official list shows adult tickets at $38 for the tour only, or $50 for the tour plus museum. Child tickets (5–15) are $17 or $22, and under-5s are free. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Concession and family tickets are on the same page. Prices are in Australian dollars and can change.
Where AFL tickets come from. All MCG event tickets are sold through Ticketek, the only authorised seller. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Buying from unauthorised resellers risks overpaying or having tickets cancelled. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Walk-up and general admission. For regular-season games, the AFL lists MCG general admission as available except on Anzac Day. Availability is posted at mcg.org.au the week of the game. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The AFL recommends reserved seats via Ticketek for high-demand games. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The MCG also warns that events do sell out, so buying on the day may not be an option. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Finals and the Grand Final. These are the hardest tickets. Club members must still buy a separate finals ticket, with priority access ahead of the public. (checked Oct 12, 2026) For the 2026 Grand Final, ticket prices ran from $172 to $536. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Finals tickets are digital only. The MCG uses the Ticketek app. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
What's next on the calendar. The 2026 Grand Final was on Saturday 26 September at the MCG (checked Oct 12, 2026), so there's no AFL right now. For 2027, Round 1 runs from 17 or 18 March through 21 March, and the Grand Final is Saturday 2 October 2027. The fixture will be confirmed later in the year. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The MCG is also hosting the 150th anniversary Australia v England Test from March 11–15, 2027 (checked Oct 12, 2026). Tours may be limited on event days like that.
Tips
- Wait for the fixture, then book. Once your Melbourne dates are fixed, check which matches are at the MCG. Some games are at Marvel Stadium instead.
- Know the usual on-sale pattern. In 2025, members got a 24-hour priority window, with general public sales starting the next day, in February. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Expect something similar for 2027, but check the AFL and Ticketek.
- Budget for general admission, but verify. Under the 2025 price freeze, adult general admission was $27, with children under four free. (checked Oct 12, 2026) We couldn't confirm 2026 or 2027 prices, so check Ticketek.
- Plan your tour around match days. Look at the MCG event calendar first. A tour and a match on the same day is possible, but tour hours may change.
- Download your ticket before you arrive. You'll need to download your mobile ticket before arriving at the MCG. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
FAQ
Can I just turn up for an MCG tour?
Not safely. The MCG says bookings are essential, and tours only run on select event days with possible hour changes. Book a session on the official museum and tours site, then arrive at Gate 3. If your date is flexible, check availability for a few days.
Can I buy AFL tickets at the MCG on game day?
Sometimes, but the MCG says events sell out, so buying on the day may not be possible. For regular-season games, general admission is generally available except on Anzac Day, but check mcg.org.au the week of the game. For popular matches, buy reserved seats in advance.
Where should I buy AFL tickets for the MCG?
Only through Ticketek, the MCG's sole authorised seller. You can buy online, by phone, or at agencies. Premium hospitality is sold separately through MCG Premium Experiences. Avoid unofficial resellers, because tickets bought that way can be cancelled.
Can tourists get Grand Final tickets?
It's difficult. Competing club members and AFL members get priority, and the public gets whatever remains. The AFL points the public to Ticketek and the AFL Event Office for hospitality packages. If you're set on 2 October 2027, watch the AFL Grand Final ticketing page.
Will the 2027 AFL fixture be out before I book flights?
Probably not yet. The AFL says the 2027 fixture will be released later in the year. Round 1 starts on 17 or 18 March 2027 and the Grand Final is on 2 October 2027. If you want a specific match, hold off on non-refundable travel until the fixture is out.
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Last verified: 2026-10-12. The 2027 fixture, ticket on-sale dates and tour hours on event days are most likely to change, so check afl.com.au, ticketek.com.au and mcg.org.au before you book.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.mcg.org.au/australian-sports-museum-mcg-tours/tours-and-experiences/mcg-tours
- https://www.mcg.org.au/australian-sports-museum-mcg-tours/plan-visit/tickets
- https://www.mcg.org.au/plan-a-visit/seating-and-ticket-information/ticket-information
- https://mcg.org.au/getting-around/2-visitor-and-ticket-information/visiting-the-mcg-for-the-afl-finals-series
- https://www.afl.com.au/match-access
- https://www.afl.com.au/finals/tickets
- https://www.afl.com.au/finals/tickets/faq
- https://www.afl.com.au/finals/tickets/grand-final
- https://www.afl.com.au/news/1582665/price-freeze-on-entry-level-finals-tickets-for-11th-straight-year
- https://www.afl.com.au/news/1600446/afl-confirms-start-date-for-the-2027-toyota-afl-premiership-season
- https://www.afl.com.au/news/1266505/price-freeze-on-general-admission-tickets-at-mcg-and-marvel-stadium