Members save cash as Pies, Hawks opt against making blockbuster games fully ticketed

The AgeIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

On July 14, 2026, Collingwood Football Club announced a change in its ticketing policy for major games, allowing members without reserved tickets to 'walk up' and attend without booking fees or seat charges. This decision follows a broader AFL trend, with teams like Hawthorn also avoiding full ticketing for all games this season. The move aims to reduce costs for fans and encourage attendance, particularly for high-profile matches. While clubs like Carlton and Richmond have partially adopted full ticketing, others such as Essendon have reversed decisions due to lower attendance. The average AFL crowd increased slightly in 2026 compared to 2025.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a sports-related policy change within the Australian Football League (AFL) and does not present politically charged content. It focuses on operational decisions made by football clubs regarding ticketing practices and their financial implications for fans. There is no mention,傾

The Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

On July 14, 2026, the Australian Football League (AFL) clubs Collingwood and Hawthorn announced they would not fully ticket any major games during the 2026 season. This policy allows members without reserved tickets to attend games without paying booking fees or seat charges, potentially saving them between $8 and $52 per game. Collingwood, the league's most attended team, has not held a fully ticketed home game this season, including high-profile matches against Melbourne and West Coast. Similarly, Hawthorn avoided full ticketing for games such as their Easter Monday match against Geelong. The move aligns with broader trends in the AFL, as other teams like Carlton and Richmond have also reduced full ticketing, though some clubs, like Essendon, have reversed decisions due to lower attendance. The average AFL crowd increased slightly in 2026 compared to 2025.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses changes in AFL ticketing policies and their financial implications for fans, focusing on sports operations rather than political issues. There is no indication of ideological leaning or partisan framing in the reporting.