AFL Grand Final 2025: Tickets, Time, and Snoop Dogg
Few events capture the Australian sporting calendar quite like the AFL Grand Final. With the 2025 edition set to feature Geelong and Brisbane at the MCG on September 27, there’s plenty to sort if you plan to watch, attend, or just soak in the atmosphere. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still up in the air, and why this year’s show has sparked more than the usual chatter.
Date: September 27, 2025 ·
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ·
Kick-off (AEST): 2:30 PM ·
Performer: Snoop Dogg ·
Performer Payment: $5 million (reported) ·
Ticket Range: From $185 (estimate)
Quick snapshot
- Date: September 27, 2025 (AFL (official league))
- Venue: MCG (AFL)
- Kick-off: 2:30 PM AEST (AFL)
- Live TV: Channel 7 & 7plus (AFL)
- Exact ticket prices for all categories
- Golden ticket availability and criteria
- Exact Snoop Dogg payment (officially unconfirmed)
- Potential booing reaction during performance
- Finals series starts August 2025
- Grand final parade: September 23, 10:30 AM AEST
- Grand Final Eve public holiday (Victoria): September 26
- Match day: September 27, 2:30 PM AEST
- Ticket ballot windows after preliminary finals
- Final parade route and event details
- Official broadcast schedule for international viewers
- Post-match replays and highlights
Eight confirmed data points tell the core story of the 2025 grand final, with the largest unknown being the exact ticket pricing across all categories.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | September 27, 2025 (AFL) |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) (AFL) |
| Kick-off (AEST) | 2:30 PM (AFL) |
| Teams | Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions (confirmed via finals series) |
| TV Broadcast (Australia) | Channel 7, Fox Footy (AFL) |
| Halftime Performer | Snoop Dogg (confirmed by AFL) |
| Performer Payment | $5 million (reported, not officially confirmed) |
| Ticket Price Range | From approximately $185 (EcoFlow (fan guide)) |
What time is the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
What is the exact start time in AEST?
The first bounce is set for 2:30 pm AEST on Saturday, September 27, 2025, according to the AFL’s official schedule (league governing body). Match coverage begins 30 minutes earlier at 2:00 pm AEST.
- AEST states (NSW, Vic, Qld, Tas, ACT): 2:30 pm
- ACST (SA, NT): 2:00 pm
- AWST (WA): 12:30 pm
- UK: 5:30 am BST
- US West Coast: 9:30 pm Friday PT
- US East Coast: 12:30 am Saturday ET
The pattern: east-coast fans get a perfect Saturday afternoon, while WA viewers need to settle in before lunch.
What time does the grand final start in other time zones?
The AFL also listed international start times: New Zealand at 5:30 pm, Thailand at 11:30 am, Japan at 1:30 pm, and Bali at 12:30 pm — all on Saturday. AFL’s time zone table covers most key markets.
Is the grand final a public holiday in Australia?
Only Victoria has declared a public holiday on Grand Final Eve — Friday, September 26, 2025. Other states do not automatically grant a holiday, though some employers may allow flexible leave. AFL’s event calendar notes the Friday as the designated public holiday in Victoria, but no national holiday exists.
How much is a ticket to the AFL Grand Final?
What is the price range for standard tickets?
According to the fan guide from EcoFlow (third-party ticket overview), the cheapest reserved seats are set at A$195, with general reserved seats starting in the low A$200s and top reserved seating reaching about A$515. These are estimates; the AFL has not released final tiered pricing.
How do I purchase a ticket?
Tickets are allocated through a ballot system. AFL members get first priority, then club members, then a public ballot after the preliminary finals. EcoFlow’s guide advises buying only through official channels like Ticketek or Ticketmaster. The AFL’s official ticketing page (AFL finals ticketing) outlines the conditions.
What is a golden ticket and how does it work?
The term “golden ticket” is being used informally for the most exclusive access passes — possibly including premium seating, hospitality, or backstage access. No official criteria have been published. It remains one of the least transparent aspects of the 2025 grand final.
For fans outside the ballot, the secondary market may be the only option — but the AFL strongly warns against unauthorised sellers. The cheapest entry likely starts at A$195, but premium “golden” packages could run into thousands.
Is the AFL Grand Final live on TV?
Which channels broadcast the grand final live?
In Australia, the grand final is broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, with streaming on 7plus (1080p HD) and Kayo Sports. The AFL confirmed these outlets on its official match page (AFL broadcast details). No changes from the previous broadcast deal.
Can I stream the grand final online?
Yes — 7plus and Kayo Sports both stream live. For viewers outside Australia, the official platform is Watch AFL (AFL international streaming info).
Is the 2025 AFL Grand Final available for international viewers?
International rights vary by territory, but Watch AFL provides a direct subscription service. For specific countries (UK, US, NZ, Asia), local broadcast partners may also carry the match.
The pattern: your local time may be awkward, but the broadcast options are more flexible than ever — even if you wake up at 5:30 am in London.
How much will Snoop Dogg get paid for the AFL Grand Final?
Why was Snoop Dogg chosen as the halftime performer?
The AFL has confirmed Snoop Dogg as the headline halftime act, but has not officially disclosed his fee. Reports from media outlets suggest a $5 million payment — though no official source has confirmed this figure. The booking appears aimed at broadening the league’s cultural appeal beyond traditional footy fans.
What is the controversy around his booking?
Some traditional fans have voiced concerns that a US hip-hop artist does not fit the grand final’s heritage. Social media reaction has been mixed. The AFL responded by emphasising its commitment to entertainment diversity. The exact level of fan reaction remains unknown.
Has the AFL paid performers this amount before?
If the $5 million figure is accurate, it would be one of the highest payments for an AFL grand final act — topping previous performances by bands like The Killers and Ed Sheeran. However, the AFL has not confirmed any fee, and the figure remains in the “unclear” column.
The AFL is simultaneously chasing global pop-culture relevance and risking alienating its core audience. For Snoop Dogg’s team, the reported $5 million cheque is a headline earner. For the league, it’s a bet on the future demographics of the sport.
Who is playing in the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
Why are Geelong and Brisbane the finalists?
The match-up was determined through the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series. Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions advanced through the preliminary finals to contest the grand final. Both clubs have strong recent finals histories — Geelong won the 2022 flag, while Brisbane reached the 2024 decider.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams?
Geelong and Brisbane have met in several finals over the past decade. The Cats hold a slight edge in recent grand final appearances, but the Lions have been building momentum. A detailed head-to-head breakdown is available on AFL’s match centre.
What is the parade schedule for the grand final?
The grand final parade is scheduled for September 23, 2025, starting at 10:30 AM AEST, according to Fox Footy’s broadcast plans. The parade runs through Melbourne’s CBD and is free for fans. It will be broadcast live on Fox Footy.
What we know vs what’s uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Date: September 27, 2025 (AFL)
- Venue: MCG (AFL)
- Kick-off: 2:30 PM AEST (AFL)
- Halftime performer: Snoop Dogg (confirmed by AFL)
- Grand final parade: September 23, 10:30 AM AEST
- Public holiday in Victoria: September 26
What’s unclear
- Exact ticket prices for all categories
- Golden ticket availability and criteria
- Snoop Dogg’s payment (officially unconfirmed)
- Whether booing will occur during the performance
- Full pre-game entertainment line-up
For the average fan, the biggest unknowns are ticket availability and cost. Without official pricing for every category, planning a trip to Melbourne is a gamble. The golden ticket concept only adds to the confusion — is it a paid upgrade or an AFL membership perk?
afleventoffice.com.au, en.wikipedia.org, afl.com.au, premiumseats.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the MCG?
The MCG holds approximately 100,024 spectators for AFL matches, though capacity is often capped slightly lower for grand final day due to media and corporate seating.
Can I bring a bag into the MCG for the Grand Final?
Yes, but bags are subject to size restrictions. The MCG typically limits bags to A4 size or smaller. Larger bags must be left at the cloakroom (subject to availability). Check the MCG website for final conditions.
Are there any pre-game activities for fans?
Yes — the grand final parade on September 23 and fan zones around the precinct. The AFL also runs a family day at Yarra Park before the match. Further details are released closer to the date.
How do I get to the MCG on Grand Final day?
Public transport is strongly recommended. Trains run to Richmond and Jolimont stations, trams stop outside the ground, and special event buses operate. Parking is extremely limited and expensive.
What happens if the Grand Final ends in a draw?
A full replay is scheduled for the following weekend. This has not happened since 2010. Both teams would return to the MCG for a second match.
Is there a public holiday for the 2025 AFL Grand Final in other states?
Only Victoria has declared a public holiday on Grand Final Eve (Friday, September 26). Other states do not automatically observe it, though some employers may offer flexible leave.
Can I watch the Grand Final from overseas?
Yes — via Watch AFL subscription, or through local broadcast partners in your region. The AFL provides an international streaming service that covers most countries.
Are there any official AFL Grand Final events for families?
Yes — the grand final parade, family day at Yarra Park, and AFL fan zones are free or low-cost. Check the AFL’s official events page for the full schedule.
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