Footy season starts at Pullman Melbourne on the Park
As the weather changes, Melbourne comes alive with the return of Australian Football League (AFL) so does the atmosphere and energy around Pullman Melbourne on The Park. Position perfect, just moments from the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the hotel offers a front-row seat to one of Australia’s most exhilaration sporting traditions.
Gather your friends and family to watch one of the world’s most exciting and fast paced sports in the countries AFL capital, Melbourne!
What is AFL?
AFL or commonly known as ‘Footy’ is a sport native to Australia with a history spanning more than 150 years! The first game of AFL was actually played across the road from Pullman Melbourne on The Park, in the historic Yarra Park and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) area. The sport is played with a bright yellow or red oval ball between two teams of Eighteen and is celebrated for its speed, athleticism, and high-scoring action.
Huge tackles, spectacular marks (catches) and powerful kicks are common with incredible movement of the ball. You can barely keep up with the action! Teams aim to kick the ball through the two middle poles and gather the highest score to win.
A Defining Part of Melbourne’s Culture
Australian Rules Football is far more than a game, it is part of the city’s identity.. With world-class venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that host a significant crowd up to 100,000 people each week, attending matches has become a regular social ritual. The city’s unusually high number of local teams creates a strong local rivalry tied to suburb, history, and community identity. Major events such as the AFL Grand Final further elevate the sport’s importance, turning it into a shared cultural experience across the city. Constant media coverage and generational support passed through families, AFL functions as a unifying social force and a key part of everyday life in Melbourne. It’s something that must be experienced firsthand.
Begin Your Game Day at The Cliveden
The Cliveden Bar is the perfect location to start your AFL experience, where the atmosphere builds as fans gather ahead of the first bounce.. There’s a really lively, buzzing vibe as fans start gathering, all in their team colors., Enjoy a thoughtfully curated AFL menu and a perfectly poured drink while overlooking the surrounding parklands, with glimpses toward the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As anticipation grows, simply step outside and join the stream of supporters making their way to the stadium, an effortless transition from relaxed indulgence to electrifying live sport.
What to do if you can’t catch a game
If you can’t make it to a game at the MCG, there are still great ways to experience its history and atmosphere. Explore the Australian Sports Museum located within the MCG, where interactive exhibits and treasured memorabilia bring Australia’s sporting history to life. Alternatively, a guided tour of the ground itself offers behind-the-scenes access to areas like the players’ change rooms, the famous Long Room, and the boundary edge, offering a unique perspective on one of the world’s great sporting arenas.
Stay in the Heart of the Action
Staying at Pullman Melbourne on the Park is the perfect choice for anyone looking to experience an AFL game in Melbourne, thanks to its unbeatable location, luxurious rooms and game-day atmosphere. Positioned jsut steps from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the hotel allows guests to simply step outside and join the stream of fans heading to the match, making the entire experience effortless and immersive. No transport to coordinate, no crowds to navigate, just seamless access from your room to the roar of the stadium.
Before the game, soak up the atmosphere with a relaxed dining experience. After the final siren, return to the comfort of your own room, where sweeping views of the park and city create the perfect setting to unwind. Combining premium accommodation with an unrivalled location, Pullman Melbourne on the Park transforms a day at the football into a complete Melbourne experience.
Turn Game Day Into A Getaway
Make more of your AFL experience by turning it into a city escape. From vibrant dining and cultural attractions to the leafy surrounds of the parklands, Melbourne offers something for every traveler, all within easy reach of your stay.
Book Your AFL Experience
Ready to experience AFL like a local?
Book your stay at Pullman Melbourne on the Park and discover the perfect balance of excitement, comfort, and effortless access, right at the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct.