Marvel Stadium — Attraction in Melbourne

I’ve been to Marvel Stadium many times over the years, back when it was Etihad and even Telstra Dome. My most recent visit was in June 2025 for an AFLM game between Collingwood and St Kilda. My partner and I took public transport in, which was super convenient with Southern Cross Station just across the bridge. For those driving, there’s plenty of paid parking nearby at DFO or throughout the CBD.

The stadium has recently undergone some major exterior upgrades, including the installation of bright new external screens which were already in use for the match. One of the things I love most about Marvel is that it’s compact enough to easily do a lap of the ground. No matter where you enter, you can find your way around without too much hassle, which is especially helpful during AFL games. We entered through Gate 7 where, like most gates, there were long queues, but the entry process was smooth with self scan machines and staff on hand to help. There’s also a bag check, so it’s worth checking what’s allowed before bringing anything in.

We got a little turned around and accidentally wandered up to level two (which is corporate seating) before finding our correct seats on level one, right behind the goals in Row T. The view was fantastic, clear sightlines of the field and the big screens showing replays and live footage meant we didn’t miss a moment. Even the standing areas had smaller screens so you could still follow the game when grabbing food or drinks. Speaking of food, while we kept it simple with chips and a Coke (plus a coffee for my partner), there were heaps of options available. The stadium has definitely expanded its dining offerings, with sit down dining areas on each level for those who’d rather watch the game from a TV. Everything is easy to access, and the vibe across the venue is great.

A fun little bonus was trying our luck at the Heinz claw machine to win a plush fry. We didn’t win, but even while waiting in line, the game was visible from the nearby foyer screens, which are dotted all around the venue. Even with the roof closed for our game, it was a bit chilly inside. I’ve been here before with the roof open for other matches and events, and it always makes for a unique atmosphere. I’ve also been in the stadium for TV show auditions, so I know they have great multipurpose spaces including corporate suites and conference rooms. Accessibility is solid too, with elevators and ramps across all levels, plus plenty of accessible seating available.

I really love Marvel Stadium, it’s been a staple in Melbourne for years and continues to evolve. The recent updates to dining and exterior tech have made a noticeable difference, and it’s clear they’re investing in keeping it fresh and fan friendly. They host a variety of events beyond footy and support great causes, so I’m keen to attend more events here in future. It’s a brilliant venue that feels like it’s only getting better with time, and I’ll always be glad...

Not only did it take almost an hour and a half to enter but, once we had entered it was fairly easy to get to our seats; just massive crowds. However, if you want to buy food you have to use their AI system. You have to pay $5, with a credit card no cash allowed, to enter the food kiosk.... Yes, just to enter the kiosk. Then you choose what food you want and when you go to exit the AI system scans you using around fifty ceiling mounted cameras. Then the system adds up what it thinks you bought and charges you for it. So many ways for things to go wrong and people to be overcharged, utterly ridiculous. Also tried to have a cigarette while I was there and my mate and I had to have our tickets rescanned, just to leave the building then, rather then being allowed to enter back through that door we had to walk around to the original door our tickets indicated, which tools us twenty minutes. We weren't told this was the case before we excited otherwise we wouldn't have gone out. So many other bizarre rules. We had to take the caps off of our water bottles before walking into the ground for the concert. We were told that was for safety reasons cause people might step on them and 'break their ankles'... However, there was rubbish all over the ground and I almost fell over twice. Plus there was a bar in the centre of the standing area on the ground and hardly any bins. It was obvious to me that this venue really is not run well and has serious issues. I will hopefully never have to deal with it again as I won't be going back there any time soon. It also has so many stupid rules and ridiculous ways of doing things, I would not be surprised if this lead to people dealing with stampeding issues or serious fire hazards. At the end of the day I'd rather go to any other venue...

Located in the heart of Melbourne, Marvel Stadium has welcomed more than 42 million fans through the gates since opening in 2000.

Renowned for regularly staging AFL, A-League and BBL action under the famous retractable roof, Marvel Stadium has also hosted some of the biggest international sporting events such as UFC, Soccer World Cup Qualifiers, International Rugby Union tests and USA Basketball versus Australian Boomers in 2019.

Throughout its years, Marvel Stadium has hosted many memorable concerts for some of the world’s biggest stars including U2, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Andre Rieu and Eminem.

Marvel Stadium (formerly known as Etihad Stadium- depending on the sponsership) provides a natural turf playing surface with a total area of 19,000m2. Currently the arena is made up of 17,600m2 of natural turf and 1,400m2 of synthetic turf, which runs the entire perimeter of the arena. For an AFL match the boundary line is 5 metres from the fence line and the synthetic turf is 3 metres wide and is situated outside the playing area. From fence to fence the arena dimensions are 169.5m from north to south and 140m from east to west. For an AFL event, the distance between the north to south goal lines is 159.5m and from the east to west boundary...