Territory AFL fans can look forward to three more years of top-flight footy in Darwin and Alice Springs thanks to a new agreement between the Northern Territory Government and AFL.
The agreement will see the Gold Coast SUNS play two games in Darwin each year from 2024-2026, while Melbourne Football Club will head to the Red Centre for a match each season.
In 2024, the Gold Coast SUNS will take on North Melbourne at TIO Stadium on Saturday, 11 May 2024.
This game will be followed by a clash between the SUNS and Geelong on Thursday, 16 May as part of the celebrated Sir Doug Nicholls Round. The Northern Territory has produced some of the game's most skilled and revered Indigenous players, and the Indigenous round sees enthusiastic support from the Territory's passionate footy fans.
The games take place just before BASSINTHEGRASS hits Mindil Beach on Saturday, 18 May 2024, giving interstate footy fans even more reasons to head to the Territory.
In Central Australia, Melbourne Football Club will take on Fremantle at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday, 2 June, building on their strong relationship with the Red Centre community.
The games, supported through Northern Territory Major Events Company, form part of the Northern Territory Government's commitment to bringing elite sport to the Territory.
As well as delivering a raft of community engagement opportunities, where Territory fans get to meet their footy heroes, the games also provide a reason for interstate AFL fans to travel with their teams. Once in the Territory, they can enjoy the unique tourism experiences on offer, and visit extraordinary locations such as Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks in the Top End, and the stunning waterholes found among the breathtaking MacDonnell Ranges around Alice Springs (Mparntwe).
AFL fans don't have to wait until next year for a taste of footy fever, with the NAB AFLW Premiership Cup arriving in Darwin this week. The Cup will stop by the U10s Girls games at Moil Oval from 5.30-6.30pm on Wednesday, 15 November, the PINT Football Club Auskick at DXC Arena from 4.45-5.45pm on Thursday, 16 November, and the U18s Girls matches at TIO Stadium from 6-7pm on Friday, 17 November. The Cup heads to the Tiwi Islands for the first time on Saturday, 18 November, to attend footy matches at 11.45am and 1.45pm.
To find out when tickets for the Territory's AFL games go on sale, follow NTMEC on Facebook at here
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:
"The Territory Labor Government is making the Territory the best place for footy, festivals and fun. These footy games not only bring elite sportspeople to the Territory, they support our local businesses, from accommodation to restaurants.
"Combined with the Territory's unique tourism experiences, that's the holiday of a lifetime. Hosting the Darwin Territory AFL games earlier than usual also has economic benefits, supporting the shoulder season and a strong start to the Top End's major events season.
"Some of Australia's finest AFL players have come from the Territory. Continuing our partnership with the AFL provides an avenue for Territorians to see elite sport in action without having to travel interstate, while also inspiring our next generation of footy stars.
"Many fans will travel interstate to watch their team play. There are more reasons than ever for SUNS fans to head to Darwin, with BASSINTHEGRASS taking place just after their second game here."
Quotes from Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans:
"We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to host back-to-back home games at TIO Stadium in Darwin for the next three years. The NT has become our second home and we have taken pride in our ability to make Darwin a fortress, where we play some of our best football.
"Territorians will have the chance to witness some of their homegrown heroes live in action at TIO Stadium. Whether it's a dazzling Malcolm Rosas Jnr goal, Joel Jeffrey's freakish athleticism, Ben Long's signature toughness or Lloyd Johnston's blistering speed, there will be plenty for the home crowd to cheer."
Quotes from Melbourne Football Club CEO Gary Pert:
"The Heart of the Nation match is one we're incredibly proud to be part of. We have been visiting Alice Springs for a decade now and, as a club, have developed such a strong connection to the region. We consider Traeger Park a home away from home, and our players love nothing more than when they get the opportunity to play there.
"We are looking forward to building on our meaningful relationships further in 2024, once again giving back and immersing ourselves in the local community. We can't wait to bring our great game back to the Red Centre and give local fans another opportunity to see and meet their heroes."
Quotes from Head of AFL NT Sam Gibson:
"We are excited to welcome the Gold Coast SUNS and Melbourne Demons back to the NT in 2024 and give Territory footy fans the opportunity to experience first-class games in Darwin and Alice Springs.
"Over recent years, the Territory has built a strong connection with both teams, so to continue this in 2024 and beyond is great for footy and the NT more broadly.
"The long-term commitment by the Northern Territory Government and AFL has been important in ensuring the impact of football in the NT continues to be significant, including as a way to engage and inspire our youth across the Territory."
Northern Territory Government
