Last AFL season we all felt a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of voices cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced.
That terror was when people walked into stadiums and saw the prices of food and drinks. And the sudden silence was what the AFL heard when people stayed away from games in droves.
As much as putting on a parker and heading out into the winter’s night to yell horrific obscenities at professional athletes half our age and twice our size is every Australian’s goddamned birthright – and, frankly, it’s a thing that should be written into our constitution – the sheer cost of going to the FOOTY has reached untenable levels, as greedy administrative boards and price gouging concession contractors pushed the cost of a visit to our sporting cathedrals through the roof.
The AFL has more or less been in damage mode since mid-way through last season when it became apparent that lowered crowd numbers were not a mere anomaly. The delicate balance between appeasing broadcasters and corporate partners and actually fairly accommodating fans had been pushed too far towards the former in recent years, and the league has finally paid attention.
Along with freezing rising ticket prices for the next couple of years, the AFL has begun scheduling games at more fan-friendly times – including the return of the traditional Saturday afternoon (not late-afternoon or evening) timeslot – and, as revealed today, has begun actively bringing the cost of attending the game down.
The AFL has announced that the price of food and drink at Etihad Stadium will be dramatically brought down for the upcoming season, with pies set to cost as little as $3.
The new pricepoints include special Sunday prices, where pies will be $3, whilst on other days the price will be frozen at its current mark of $4.80. Meanwhile, hot chips are being brought down to an even $4 – a reduction of $1.60 – whilst free water will be on offer, as well as free popcorn and fairy floss for all children attending matches (because getting them fucked up on sugar after 7pm? Genius!)
But the real big announcement, the coup de gras, the piece of news that will surely make all fall to their knees and weep?
Beer is being brought down to $5 a pot.
The move from Etihad Stadium was expected, following a similar dramatic price drop at the MCG.
The 2015 AFL Season begins on Thursday, April 2nd when the tradition season opener of Carlton taking on Richmond thunders into Thursday night.
FOOTY’S BACK, YOU GUYS.
FOOTY. FROTHIES. FIRE UP.
