Optus Stadium Anticipates Entry Issues for AFL Fans This Weekend
West Coast and Fremantle fans traveling to Optus Stadium for the upcoming AFL matches should prepare for potential entry delays, according to venue chief executive Mike McKenna. The warning comes as the stadium implements a new ticketing system that has already caused significant disruptions at previous events.
New Security Features Cause Confusion
In January, Optus Stadium and Ticketmaster introduced a revamped ticketing system featuring enhanced security measures. These include dynamic barcodes that refresh every 15 seconds and the integration of tickets into digital wallets using tap-and-go NFC technology. As a result, tickets shared via screenshots will no longer be valid for entry; instead, they must be transferred between Ticketmaster accounts to gain access to the venue.
This change led to major problems during the AFL Origin match last month, where lengthy queues persisted well into the start of the game. Turnstiles were temporarily lowered to manage the congestion, highlighting the challenges fans faced with the new process.
McKenna's Cautious Optimism
McKenna has acknowledged that similar issues may arise during Fremantle's clash with Melbourne on Saturday and West Coast's game against North Melbourne on Sunday. "I'm confident we'll be able to avoid the extent of the problems we had with Origin. I daresay there's going to be times where there's going to be queues," he told The West Australian.
He explained that delays often occur when individuals at the front of the queue are unfamiliar with the new system, requiring assistance and slowing down the entire process. To mitigate this, McKenna strongly advises fans to download their tickets through the Ticketmaster app and store them in their phone's wallet before arriving at the stadium.
Incentives and Recommendations for Fans
In an effort to encourage early arrival, the Fremantle Dockers are offering prizes to fans who enter the venue by 3:30 pm ahead of their match. Rewards include passes to access the change rooms before or after the game and the opportunity to participate in a guard of honour as the team runs onto the ground.
McKenna recommends that all supporters arrive at least half an hour earlier than usual during the early weeks of the season. "That way, you can be sure of getting through, getting to your seat, and you're ready for the start of the game and the pre-match entertainment, which is going to be fantastic for the first round," he emphasized.
Learning from Past Experiences
The initial rollout of the new ticketing system, including events like Ed Sheeran concerts, proceeded smoothly, which left stadium officials unprepared for the issues that emerged during AFL Origin. "Since then, we've had more people through, and there's been varying experiences," McKenna noted, indicating that the venue is continuously adapting to improve fan entry processes.
While some disruptions are expected, McKenna remains hopeful that with proper preparation and early arrival, fans can enjoy the matches with minimal inconvenience.
