Footy fans slam the venue for the AFLW grand final – as the league refuses to make a late switch to keep them happy
- Footy fans are unhappy with the grand final venue
- The AFLW match will be played at Ikon Park
- Marvel Stadium is empty on grand final day
AFLW fans have expressed their anger after grand final tickets sold out in less than three hours due to limited capacity at the venue for the event.
The decider between Brisbane and North Melbourne will be played at Ikon Park – Carlton’s training ground – which is currently being redeveloped and therefore has a reduced capacity.
Only 13,000 spectators will be able to attend the first AFLW grand final since 2018 in Victoria on Sunday.
To put that figure into context, 53,000 fans attended the 2019 grand final between Adelaide and Carlton at Adelaide Oval.
To rub salt in the wound, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium – which also has a capacity of 53,000 people – will be empty next weekend.
Ikon Park will host the AFLW grand final in front of a limited audience on Sunday
Only 13,000 people will attend the North Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions this weekend
One fan noted this fact when responding to the AFL on Twitter: “Too bad the AFL don’t own a bigger stadium in Melbourne that they can use.”
Another added: ‘That’s just ridiculous. What’s happening at Marvel, the property that the league actually owns.”
A third fan joked: ‘We’re all amazed at the AFL’s ability to plan…’
However, the league has refused to budge on their decision and the match will remain at Ikon Park.
“The venues for the AFLW Grand Final were agreed with our clubs prior to the start of the season,” an AFL spokesperson said.
‘Ikon Park will provide a great atmosphere on Sunday, hopefully for 13,000 fans.
“Marvel Stadium will be unavailable this weekend due to other major events in recent weeks and the turf is currently unsuitable for matches.”