AFL and Premiership Cup heading to the Red Centre in July

The countdown is on for the highest level of footy to return to the Territory, with the third of the Territory’s AFL Games now locked in for the Red Centre this July.

Melbourne Football Club will take on Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs on Sunday, 17 July, 2022, against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, with the country’s fiercest fans cheering them on.

As last season’s premiership winners, Melbourne will bring the AFL premiership cup with them. Melbourne Football Club CEO Gary Pert said the team is excited to return to the Red Centre.

“With such a rich history, Alice Springs is a unique backdrop for an AFL match, and we are proud to be able to showcase the game in the heart of the nation again in 2022,” he said.

“Over an extended period of time, we have developed a really special connection with the Northern Territory and, in particular, the Alice Springs community, which is something we really value as a club.

“We are excited to reconnect with the local community following a COVID-interrupted season in 2021, where we weren’t able to visit.

“As we have done throughout all our interstate matches this year with our national Cup tour, we are really looking forward to providing all our Melbourne supporters in the Northern Territory the opportunity to see and touch the AFL premiership cup, following the club’s success last year.”

The Alice Springs game is in addition to the Gold Coast SUNS facing Hawthorn at Darwin’s TIO Stadium on Saturday, 28 May, during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, followed by the SUNS vs North Melbourne game in Darwin on Saturday, 4 June.

The games are part of the Northern Territory Government’s partnership with AFL, delivered through Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Tickets for the Darwin games are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.au. Tickets for the Alice Springs game will be on sale from 1pm on Friday, 10 June, 2022, with Melbourne Football Club member tickets available from 10am. Footy fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid missing out.