All times are estimate and in local time (AEDT)

Fan Zone opens – 5:00pm 
Gates open – 5:30pm
Pre-game ceremony – 7:10pm 
Team entry – 7:26pm 
First bounce – 7:40pm 
 

Arrive early 

Gates open at 5:30pm, ahead of the pre-game ceremony at 7:10pm, followed by the first bounce at 7:40pm. Be sure to arrive early and please allow yourself enough time to enter the venue so you don’t miss a moment of the action. 

Members get access – scan in 

General Admission members can scan in using their physical or digital membership card (via the app) and sit on Level 4. We highly recommend General Admission members upgrade to a reserved seat via Ticketek using their membership barcode prior to the match.   

We strongly recommend members with Flexi memberships to pre-book their seat for this high-selling game. 

Want to upgrade, or don’t have a ticket?  

It’s not too late to upgrade your seat or score a ticket to our 100-year commemorative game at the MCG. This is a game you want to be a part of. 

Purchase and/or upgrade your tickets here.

If you are unable to make it, catch all the action on Kayo made easier with a Bulldogs Digital Pass $350 (RRP $420). BUY NOW

Fan Zone & Footscray partners

The Fan Zone will be located outside Gate 3 and will feature a variety of fun for fans of all ages, including several exciting activities. 

• Photo booth 
• Giveaways inc. 100-year commemorative pin, team poster etc.  
• Face painting 
• Mascots  
• Live music from the Footscray Yarraville Band  
• Kids activities 
• McDonald’s inflatable handball targets  

The excitement continues in the stadium with Mission’s Mark and Win at quarter-time, giving one lucky fan a chance to win up to $5,000. As the game unfolds, get ready for CoinSpot’s Race the Rocket, a fan-favourite returning to the MCG for a thrilling three-quarter time activation.

Bulldogs Shop 

Celebrate this historic year for the club with an exciting new range of apparel and accessories.

Head to the Bulldogs Shop located outside Gate 2 on the external concourse and deck out in our 100-year merch where 100% of the profits go to the Club.

The 2025 ASICS range, Mitchell and Ness range, and Membership range will also be available for purchase. 

Check before you travel to and from the MCG this Friday to avoid public transport and road disruptions.

Train Disruptions: 

• Buses are replacing trains between Heidelberg and Eltham on the Hurstbridge Line until 27 March. If any fans are coming from this way, they’ll need to factor in extra travel time. 
• Buses are replacing trains between Newport and Werribee stations most nights on the Werribee Line until May.
• Buses are replacing trains on the Frankston and Stonypoint lines from 8:30pm on Friday 21 March until the last service Sunday 23 March. Buses replace trains between;
  • Cheltenham and Frankston stations
  • Frankston and Stony Point stations.
• Buses also replace trains between North Melbourne and Craigieburn stations on the Craigieburn Line from 9pm Friday 21 March until the last service on Sunday 23 March.

Road Disruptions: 

• The West Gate Freeway has some inbound lane and ramp closures, including Millers Road and Williamstown Road exits. Best to allow a bit of extra time if driving in. 
• Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets – something to keep in mind for those heading through the city. 
• The Elgar Rd entry ramp onto the Eastern Freeway citybound is closed from 20 to 28 March 9pm to 6am each night.
• The M80 Ring Road is closed overnight in both directions between Boundary Rd and Western Fwy on Friday 21 March from 10pm and Saturday 22 March from 10pm.

For detailed information visit our PTV disruptions page.

The MCC, as ground managers of the MCG, is committed to provide a fun, safe and welcoming environment for all visitors to the MCG.

All entry gates to the MCG cater for patrons with accessible needs.

Click here to find out more information for families visiting the MCG, and for accessible facilities around the stadium.

Smithy's VFL Round 1

Footscray VFL v Northern Bullants
Saturday 22 March 2025 7:10pm (AEDT)
Mission Whitten Oval, Footscray • Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung

Gates Open: 6pm
Entry through Gate 2 only, located off Whitten Ave.

Please note: Mission Whitten Oval does not allow dogs in on match days.

Tickets

For smoother access, we recommend pre-purchasing tickets by clicking HERE

However, tickets are still available to be purchased on gameday.

Download your mobile ticket before you arrive at the venue and forward tickets to individuals attending within your group.

Getting to Mission Whitten Oval

Buses
Bus 220 (Sunshine – Melbourne CBD – Gardenvale) runs regularly and stops on Barkly Street.

Bus 216 & Bus 219 also run through the Melbourne CBD, stopping on the corner of Barkly Street & Gordon Street.

Train
Whitten Oval is located across from West Footscray Train Station (approximately 500 meters away).

Trains run regularly to and from the Melbourne CBD on the 'Sunbury' line. Enter the ground via Cross St.

Car Parking
Parking is subject to availability within the ground. There is limited street parking situated around the ground.

Broadcast and streaming
All matches in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App. Smithy’s VFL broadcast partner, the Seven Network, will broadcast select matches live and free on the Seven Network in Victoria and on 7plus nationally.

Live scoring and stats
Live scoring and stats will be available via both the AFL Live Official App and VFL App.

Ticketing
Where Smithy’s VFL matches are ticketed, entry is $10 for adults, $5 for concession holders and kids under 15 are free. Some venues don't charge for entry. AFL ticketing prices apply for VFL matches played as curtain-raisers and curtain-closers to AFL matches.

Entry to VFLW matches is free. Where venues host VFL and VFLW double-headers, entry fees will apply after half time of the VFLW match if played first.