TIO Stadium will be packed with AFL fans of all ages on Saturday, 1 June when the Melbourne Demons take on the Adelaide Crows as part of Round 11 in the Top End.
The match is set to kick off at 7.10pm and will see football supporters from all corners of the country travel to Darwin to cheer on their favourite teams.
Football fans will also get the chance to meet several AFL and AFLW players as part of a signing session at Intersport in Casuarina Square on Saturday, 1 June between 12pm – 1pm.
This year marks one decade of Melbourne playing home games in the Territory, thanks to support from the NT Government and AFL, who have worked hard with AFL NT and Melbourne Football Club to sign a one-year agreement covering 2019.
After a sell-out match between the Demons and the Crows in 2017, tickets to Saturday’s match are expected to sell quickly.
NT Thunder take on Redland Bombers at 3.30pm.
The large TV audience and expected crowds at TIO Stadium is a fantastic way to promote the Territory to the rest of Australia.
To find out more information or to secure your seat, visit www.ntix.com.au.
Quotes from Assistant Minister for Sport and Community Events, Tony Sievers:
“Territorians love their footy and seeing big games like this live is a real boost for Territory lifestyle and local jobs, which is so important in keeping people living in the NT.
“Our partnership with the AFL to bring premiership games to the Territory ensures Territorians can enjoy live footy in action right here in their own backyard.
“The Round 11 clash is expected to be a sell out, so I would urge people to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this exciting match.”
Quotes from CEO of AFLNT, Stu Totham:
“We are really pleased to welcome Melbourne back to Darwin for what is their tenth consecutive season involved in the NT, and we thank the NT Government for their continued support in bringing the elite game to our backyard. With both teams needing wins, it's sure to be a thrilling game.
“This weekend is extra special for Territorians with Sir Doug Nicholls Round paying respect to its ambassador and our very own Michael Long. ‘Longy’ has made an enormous contribution to our game and has continued to work hard away from the field in his roles with the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre and The Long Walk to highlight that all people, Indigenous or not are given the same opportunities to succeed in life.
“We have some extra special things planned to honour him at the game on Saturday night, so I encourage people to get in early and secure their position. We will also have our NT Thunder playing Redland in a NEAFL curtain-raiser from 3:30pm on what is arguably the best looking footy oval in the country right now.”
Quotes from Melbourne Football Club Co-Captain Nathan Jones:
“The Northern Territory has been a terrific supporter of the club over many years and I’ve had some great experiences.
“I’ve played up here seven or eight times now, the oval’s in great condition and the facilities are unreal, so we love being here. It’s a fantastic partnership we have with the Northern Territory.”
Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242