Ranking the Best Stadiums to Attend an AFL Game
By
Richard Janvrin
Contributor Updated: 30 May 2024
Richard Janvrin Contributor
Richard has been writing about sports since he was a teenager. Still, his first professional role came in 2015, covering all things NFL and fantasy football-related. From there, in December 2018, he started in the sports betting industry, covering sportsbook reviews before arriving to where he is today.
The Top Five AFL Stadiums
Since 1897, there have been about 50 different venues to host VFL/AFL games. With that, some have been better than others.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan of the sport or like to engage in AFL football betting, we’ll be taking a look at the top-five AFL grounds to consider visiting for the best AFL experience.
First, we’ll explain what we’re looking for, then dive into the top five.
Best Stadiums In Australia for AFL Criteria
There’s a lot to consider when ranking the best AFL stadium in Australia. However, the biggest AFL stadium isn’t always the best. Sure, the capacity of AFL stadiums can make for a raucous crowd, but there are more things to consider, such as location, the feel of the matches, what amenities are available, the general vantage point of looking out at the AFL grounds, and yes, history plays a role.
Let’s start things off with SCG.
- 5. SCG
- 4. Marvel Stadium
- 3. Optus Stadium
- 2. Adelaide Oval
- 1. MCG
- Ranking the Best Stadiums To Attend An AFL Game Wrap Up
5. SCG
The SCG, as we see it today, opened in 1886, but the Sydney Swans did not play there until 1982 with nearly 16,000 fans on hand. Overall, the location is OK, thanks to a light rail in the area, but there’s not much more public transportation to assist fans in getting there. Since the Swans first played there in the 1980s, numerous renovations have occurred to allow for 46,000+ fans, which they saw in 1997.
Today, there are more like 35,000+ fans, but the Sydney crowd is known for being loud and letting their fandom show.
One thing to note here is that if you attend a game during the day and into the night, the sun sets near the southern stands, which can be a bit of an obstruction.
With this being around since the 1800s, some of the stands are certainly older-feeling, but there are upgraded facilities, including the bathroom, and the Members and Ladies stands are quite nice.
It’s one of the best stadiums in Australia, as it’s kept some of that old flair while making it manageable for the modern fan.
4. Marvel Stadium
Marvel Stadium’s location in Melbourne is hard to beat. It’s just outside the CBD rectangle and connected to all train lines and most bus and tram routes. While parking is available on-site, we highly recommend taking public transportation.
This stadium opened in 2000 and is known for its retractable roof. The stadium is owned by the AFL and has one of the higher AFL stadium capacities at over 53,000 people. This stadium will be undergoing renovations soon, too.
As for atmosphere, Marvel Stadium can be home to multiple teams, so some say that the hometown rowdiness is split because of that. However, if the stadium is near capacity and the roof is closed, it can get exceptionally loud.
Regarding views, there’s really not a bad seat in the house other than when you get closer to the ground. You’ll want to ensure you’re not on the ground and in the first few rows, as it could be tough to see.
You’ll find free water foundations and new food/beverage options here, especially for kids.
Also, this was the sight for Buddy Franklin’s elimination final goal — that’s pretty awesome, we must say.
3. Optus Stadium
Located in Perth, Optus Stadium offers fans a dedicated train station, making it easy to get to and from matches. That said, no parking is available during matches, so public transportation is the only option.
This stadium opened in 2017 and replaced the Subiaco Oval. It’s home to the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers. It has a capacity of over 60,000, and 85% of the seating is covered by a roof.
Here, you’re also right on the coast of Swan River for exceptional sights walking in and around the stadium.
Some may say that Optus Stadium is “Americanized,” but the light shows and the hometown fans create an electric atmosphere.
There are ample bathrooms, and you’ll also have access to a plethora of food options and craft beer, and one of the larger pubs in Australia is located nearby.
Although the history is still young here, the modern design will serve as a beautiful location to watch a game for decades to come.
2. Adelaide Oval
If not for a massive $575 million redevelopment, we might’ve never seen the Adelaide Oval — one of the best AFL stadiums — again. However, it re-opened in 2014 and has been the home of the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide.
The capacity is upward of 53,500 and is almost always at full capacity singing “Never Tear Us Apart.” This is a nightmare place to play for visiting teams.
To get here, you can take a train and walk across a bridge. There’s also a tram connection.
View-wise, having no seat other than standing on the hill is a bad spot to watch the game. The small capacity helps with that.
There are delectable food options, multiple options for food, the Hill of Grace restaurant, and more.
The famous scoreboard can be seen from anywhere you sit as well, which is a symbol of its history.
This is easily one of the top AFL grounds and the best stadiums in Australia.
1. MCG
Easily the biggest AFL stadium, MCG is the pinnacle of all AFL stadiums.
Location-wise, it’s in Yarra Park, which is mere steps away from the CBD. It’s connected to almost every possible train line and is tram-friendly.
The atmosphere is a mixed bag. If you’re there on a day with the 100,000 capacity, it’s unlike anything else on earth. However, if you’re there with a capacity of 35,000, it can make for a silent and somewhat sad atmosphere.
This is the site of the Toyota AFL Grand Final, where several Melbourne teams play.
There are great options for food and drink here, and the prices are more manageable compared to other stadiums.
Some of the old seating was overhauled, so the history has been a bit “tainted,” but if you’re here on a day with 100,000 fans, you’re in for a stunning experience.
Ranking the Best Stadiums To Attend An AFL Game Wrap Up
Ultimately, we decided to go with MCG as the best of the AFL stadiums on our list. It’s the biggest AFL stadium and offers an unmatched experience at its full potential.
That said, given the 17 total AFL stadiums now, the top five will only feature the best of the best.
We ultimately decided to side with the gameday experience, but there are plenty of other factors to consider, such as transportation.
While we have our top list here, you may, of course, have your own best list. Like most things with a list format, this is a subjective list based on what we’re most intrigued by. You could be a fan of a team with a stadium not listed here, and that could be your favorite. That’s fine, too.
The important thing is to ensure you have a pleasant time during gameday, take in the action, and enjoy the experience.
That said, we hope this serves as a guide to help you choose your next location to watch AFL action.
