Final preparations for our biggest weekend of AFL

Published on 26 August 2021

Final ground preparations are underway at University of Tasmania Stadium for the biggest weekend on Launceston football calendar in living memory.

For the first time, Tasmania will host two AFL finals this weekend with Sydney taking on the Giants on Saturday, and the Western Bulldogs facing off against Essendon on Sunday.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the excitement around the two matches was reaching fever pitch in the city, with tickets to both games selling out in just a matter of hours.

"It would be fair to say that it's certainly the talk of the town right now - everywhere I go, business owners and people in the street are talking about the games at UTAS Stadium over the weekend," Mayor van Zetten said.

"To have both games sell out on the day of the ticket release was terrific and it sends a message that Tasmanians genuinely love their football and want to see these quality matches played in the state. And it's certainly fantastic for our football-loving public and for our businesses around the city.

"Given what our hoteliers are reporting, people from right across the state travelling and staying overnight for these games, and that's a wonderful outcome at a time when a lot in our tourism industry are struggling."

Both games are set to kick off at 3.20pm, with gates set to open at 1.50pm.

There's also plenty of parking available near the Stadium at the Circular Car Park at Inveresk, the new Northern Car Park off Forster Street, with accessible parking available at the Old Cycle Track off Invermay Road.

Commuters attending the game are asked not to park in the timed zones along Invermay Road for the duration of the game, as it restricts access to those local businesses who operate over the weekend.

"One of the benefits of having the Stadium situated so close to the centre of the city is that it's very easy to walk to and from the ground," Mayor van Zetten said.

"People coming from the city can also take advantage of the Council's free Tiger Bus service, which runs throughout the day between the CBD and Inveresk.

"Most importantly however, it's worth reminding people that they will have to check in at the ground using the Check-In Tas app, to bring a mask, which must be worn at all times, and to remember to social distance when queuing to enter the ground or when buying food," Mayor van Zetten said.

Inveresk Precinct Business Leader Robert Groenewegen said ground staff had been working around the clock to prepare the stadium for this weekend's double-header.

"Given the amount of football we've hosted this year - both AFL and State League - it really is a credit to everyone to see the ground looking this good this time of the year given how much rain we've had over the past couple of months," Groenewegen said.

Groenewegen encouraged people to familiarise themselves with their seating location prior to arriving at the ground, and to take note of the gate entry information on their ticket.

"It's also timely to remind everyone attending the games that the Stadium is a cashless venue, with EFTPOS facilities available at all outlets," he said.

 "And hopefully people really get into the spirit of the weekend and dress up in their favourite team's footy colours and enjoy what will be a true showcase of top-flight AFL here in Launceston between four very good football teams."

Local live music acts will also return this weekend, supported by the Council, with Northern Tasmanian electronic-indie duo Sumner performing on Saturday during the Swans/Giants game and the ever-popular powerhouse Bad Dad Orchestra live on Sunday.

 Both acts will perform live for around 30 minutes prior to kick-off, and again at half-time of both matches.

AFL FINALS - MATCH DAY INFORMATION

Saturday at 3.20pm: Sydney v GWS
Sunday at 3.20pm: Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Gates open at 1.50pm

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Northern Tasmanian electronic-indie duo Sumner performing on Saturday during the Swans/Giants game and the ever-popular powerhouse Bad Dad Orchestra live on Sunday. Both acts will perform live for around 30 minutes prior to kick-off, and again at half-time of both matches.

PARKING

• Inveresk Circular Car Park (off Invermay Road)
• Northern Car Park (off Forster Street)
• Accessible Parking at the Old Cycle Track (off Invermay Road)
• The FREE Tiger Bus runs throughout both days from the CBD to Inveresk (check the Metro website for details).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Bring your mask. Masks will need to be worn at all times apart from taking a bite of food or a sip of your drink!
• Remember to social distance when queuing for entry or when buying food and drinks.
• Check in TAS app: You will be required to scan via QR code at the gate.
• If you don’t have a smart phone, a friend can sign you in or our gate supervisors will be able to sign you in via iPads.
• UTAS Stadium is a cashless venue. EFTPOS only at all outlets. There are no pass-outs.

CLUB MERCHANDISE

There will be outlets on the Western side of the ground near Gates 2 and 4. Please be patient with all vendors and staff and enjoy your day at the footy. Most importantly dress in your footy colours and bring your loudest cheering voices.