Where to watch the Grand Final in your city

If there’s one thing for sure, us Aussies love our football. When Grand Final day rolls around every year, even the most non-believers of footy stop and take time out of their day to watch (at least some of) the game. For those of us that don’t have a space big enough for a large group at home, or just want to be in amongst the action come Grand Final Day, we have the ultimate list of places for you to go…

Melbourne

Ah, the home of the footy and the city guaranteed to be in the true AFL spirit, there’s really no sports bar that won’t be packed to the brim of footy supporters that didn’t manage to score a ticket to the game.

For families… head to Federation Square or Yarra Park to watch the pre-game entertainment and the final on the giant screens. The entertainment at Fed Square has far exceeded bringing your own lunch and just watching the game on the screen, expect food trucks, face painting and bean bag chairs. The action starts at 2pm but if you want an ace spot in front of that five-story screen, you can head there at 9am.

For the gang… if you’re looking for a more personal experience with less of a crowd but still enough energy for you and your mates, pubs and bars all around Melbourne are getting amongst it with big screens and flowing pints all day! If you’re heading into the CBD, head to the Garden State Hotel for all your GF Day needs. You have three options if you head here, a Garden Grill pre-match Brunch, a three-course Lunch in the Observatory, or head to the Public Bar and Beer Garden for that authentic pub feel and watch the game with the masses!

Looking for a cheaper day? The Victoria Hotel in Footscray is catering to you specifically, from 9am they’re running out bacon and egg rolls, $2 pots from first bounce to the first goal, and sausage rolls to give you that MCG footy food feel!

For the Rugby fans that want to get a look of Melbourne Storm in the Grand Final on Sunday, the Wharf Hotel has a huge day planned for patrons. For any booking of 4 or more receive a FREE Furphy mega-jug on arrival, and watch the action on one of the eight plasmas and large riverside screen. Melbourne is in for quite an exciting weekend!

Perth

Having a team in the Grand Final is unfortunate when you’re on the other side of Australia. For the Eagles supporters that couldn’t score a (very overpriced) flight to Melbourne will have to settle for an area closer to home. On the plus side though, at least you won’t have to deal with many Collingwood supporters in your own neck of the woods!

For families… The Perth Royal Show is offering discounted entry tickets to go and watch the game on Finals day. With plenty of screens and lots of food (plus ample entertainment for the kids). If you really want to feel like you’re at the MCG, you can soak in all the action at Optus Stadium, the home of WA footy. For $5 tickets for each person, you can watch the action on the grass and have stadium style food options with all food and beverage outlets open on the day!

For the gang… after new renovations, The Raffles Hotel is the perfect location for the gang to head to. With new screens in the marquee and al fresco area in addition to the regular screens set up inside, the view will be optimal no matter where you’re seated. Doors open at 11am and will be open until late so it’s worth sticking around for the afterparty.

For a cheaper afternoon, The Vic Hotel in Subiaco has $3.50 pints, pint and pie deal for $10, big screens, and that full footy culture. You really can’t go wrong!

Sydney

The Sheaf Sport has the perfect location for a few beers with mates to watch the game. With eight sports televisions, an onsite TAB and some pool tables to enjoy a game of your own, plus a dog-friendly beer garden this event space is perfect for everyone.

If the Rugby Grand Final is more up your alley (when you have a team in the final, it should be), the Harbour View Hotel is showing the game live on Sunday 30^th September, which offers up incredible views of the harbour as well as the great feel of the live game action.

Dubbo

We can’t leave a regional centre out of our list here, we know you love sport as much as the main cities do! The Milestone Hotel shows every big game on their huge TV screens, and there’s plenty in view so you won’t need to crane your neck at all. They’re also showing the NRL final on Sunday too, and hosting with $5 baskets of hot wings and game day jugs of beer on special, is there any better reason to head there for the weekend?

Adelaide

For those real footy fans that need to watch the game, the Adelaide Casino has the whole day taken care of for you. From watching the first bounce to final siren, head to the Grandstand to get in on the action. After the game is over, move on to Oasis Bar for 11 hours of live music for those afterparty celebrations, after all, this occasion only comes around once a year!

Brisbane

With the ability to cater to 400 patrons, you can guarantee that the Montague Hotel in West End will have the footy spirit alive and pumping on Grand Final Day. You’ll have 15 screens to watch the games live, with ample GF Day food and pints to have with your crew. Plus, if you stick around past 6pm you live music as an afterparty celebration.

If you’re also up for a Sunday session to watch the NRL Grand Final, the Port Office Hotel is hosting a live showing of the game on the 30^th of September!

• SHARE