The Dolphins will host the Penrith Panthers in Darwin for their first game as the Territory's NRL team on Friday at 7.30pm, 17 April 2026. Tickets for the National Rugby League (NRL) Round 7 clash at TIO Stadium, Marrara are on sale now.
The Dolphins will return to Darwin next year as the home team after a strong 2025 and will go up against six-time premiership winners Penrith in a blockbuster Friday night prime time clash. This will be the Dolphins' second appearance in Darwin, following their impressive 44-16 victory over the Parramatta Eels in 2024 in front of a roaring crowd.
From 2026, the Dolphins' partnership with the Northern Territory will deliver significant value to the NT community through to at least 2028. This includes community engagement, elite sports development, and participation initiatives through the RISE junior development pathway (managed by NRLNT). Fans can also look forward to a range of exciting activations in the lead-up to the match.
Delivered by Tourism and Events NT, the game not only provides Territorians with an opportunity to see elite-level rugby league on home turf but also drives valuable visitation to the region. Interstate visitors can make the most of their trip by exploring the Top End's incredible tourism experiences, from Darwin's vibrant food and cultural scene to the world-famous Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.
Tickets are available across General Admission (GA), Grandstand, and Corporate Hospitality, offering an option to suit every fan. Family GA is just $20 per person for families of four or more, and children under four get in free on the knee. GA adult prices start from $35 while Grandstand adult prices start from $55. Corporate Hospitality packages in the Ah Mat Wing, Bonson Wing, and Members Bar start from $260 per person.
New in 2026, the Invite A Friend ticketing feature allows Grandstand buyers to reserve up to eight adjacent seats for family and friends, who then have 48 hours to purchase. It's an easy way for groups to sit together.
The 2025 NRL match in Darwin generated $3.38 million in total expenditure stimulus, including $3.23 million in Darwin, and accounted for 6,715 visitor nights across the NT, confirming its status as a major tourism driver. Fans are encouraged to book their seats early and be part of the Dolphins' historic debut Darwin home game on Friday, 17 April 2026. Visit www.ntdolphins.com.au here to lock in your spot.
Getting family and friends to the game has just been made easier. The Northern Territory's (NT) Best Kept Season campaign is active, with Qantas offering travellers $100* off return flights to Darwin. This offer runs from 3-9 December 2025 and applies to direct departures from Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Cairns for travel between 15 December 2025 and 30 April 2026 (use code NT100*). Offer is limited to the first 1,000 eligible passengers. For T&Cs or to book visit: [http://www.qantas.com/au/en/promotions/flights/take-off.html].
Quotes from Tourism and Events NT, Executive Director Events, Aimee Luxton:
"The launch of ticket sales marks a major milestone in our three-year partnership with the Dolphins. This national sporting event brings premium NRL action back to the Top End, giving Territory fans the chance to enjoy top-tier footy on home soil and inspiring our aspiring local athletes to follow in the footsteps of their heroes."
"We are excited to welcome interstate fans to Darwin and encourage them to make the most of this prime-time event by extending their stay and taking the opportunity to explore the Top End's renowned natural landscapes, cultural experiences and vibrant tropical lifestyle."
Quotes from Dolphins CEO, Terry Reader:
"We are thrilled that tickets are officially on sale for our debut home game as the Territory's NRL team. Facing the six-time premiership-winning Penrith Panthers is a massive match, and we know this will be one of the biggest clashes of the year. We look forward to seeing TIO Stadium packed with both our loyal local supporters and our travelling fans, making it an incredible atmosphere for a spectacular game."
Quotes from NRL NT General Manager, Tony Crowe:
"This is the Territory's team, and tickets are now officially on sale for the Dolphins' huge Darwin debut against the Penrith Panthers. We're excited to welcome our local rugby league community and travelling NRL fans to secure their seats at TIO Stadium. This is shaping up to be one of the standout Friday night clashes of the season, so I encourage everyone to get in early and not miss out. We can't wait to show the Dolphins just how strongly the Territory gets behind its team."
