AFL Origin Ticket Scanning Debacle Leaves Hundreds of Fans Stranded Outside Stadium
Hundreds of passionate footy fans were forced to watch the opening moments of the highly anticipated AFL Origin blockbuster from outside Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon, after a catastrophic failure of a new digital ticketing system caused severe delays at entry gates. The historic State of Origin clash between Western Australia and Victoria, the first in 27 years, drew a massive crowd of over 58,000 spectators, but many were left frustrated and angry as technical issues prevented them from entering the venue on time.
New Ticketing System Causes Widespread Entry Delays
In January, Optus Stadium announced the implementation of an enhanced digital ticketing system utilizing near-field communication (NFC) technology and barcodes that refresh every 15 seconds, designed to reduce fraud and improve the fan experience. However, on game day, attendees found their tickets would not scan properly at the gates, leading to extensive queues and chaos. Stadium staff were eventually forced to open turnstiles manually approximately 20 minutes after the match commenced, allowing patrons to enter without scanning their tickets, but by then, significant portions of the crowd had already missed the bounce down and much of the first quarter.
Social Media Outcry and Fan Frustration
Disgruntled fans quickly took to social media platforms to voice their displeasure, with many sharing videos and posts detailing their negative experiences. One viral TikTok clip, which amassed over 44,000 views, showed a fan watching the opening quarter on her phone outside the stadium, accompanied by text criticizing Ticketmaster's decision to change the scanning process. Hundreds of attendees reported waiting 15 to 30 minutes to gain entry, with some missing half of the first quarter entirely. Comments flooded the official Optus Stadium Facebook page, with one fan noting, "It's a shame half the crowd missed the start due to electronic failures at the gates," while another lamented the decision to launch the new system on such a major event day.
High-Profile Attendees Also Affected
The ticketing chaos was not limited to regular fans; even high-profile individuals were caught in the turmoil. Former Carlton star and three-time All-Australian player Brendan Fevola arrived at the stadium an hour late, with his wife documenting the struggle on TikTok. Additionally, some attendees reported that staff accused them of possessing fraudulent tickets due to the scanning errors, further exacerbating delays and frustration among the crowd.
Stadium Response and Apology
A spokesperson for VenuesWest, the operators of Optus Stadium, issued an apology to impacted fans, attributing the delays to a combination of a late-arriving crowd and issues with the newly introduced digital ticketing system. "Optus Stadium apologises to any fans impacted by delays at the gates Saturday afternoon," the spokesperson stated. "The combination of a late arriving crowd and the recent introduction of an enhanced digital ticketing system, which reduces the risk of fraud, are contributing factors." The spokesperson acknowledged the inconvenience and disappointment caused, noting that turnstile arms were lowered temporarily to facilitate smoother entry, with gates largely cleared by 4:50 PM.
Concerns for Upcoming AFL Season
With the regular AFL fixtures set to recommence at Optus Stadium in just five weeks, fans have expressed serious concerns about the new ticketing system's reliability for the 2026 season. Supporters of teams like the Fremantle Dockers have called for immediate fixes, with one fan urging, "They better fix this before the next Freo match." In response, a VenuesLive spokesperson confirmed that Optus Stadium is collaborating with Ticketmaster, the AFL, and clubs on an education campaign ahead of the season, including pre-event communications, signage, and additional support at entry gates to prevent future delays.
Match Success Despite Ticketing Issues
Despite the ticketing mayhem, the AFL Origin match itself was a resounding success, marking the first Origin clash since 1999. Over 840,000 viewers across Australia tuned into Channel 7 to watch the game, with Victoria securing a 24-point victory. However, the overshadowing entry fiasco has left a bitter taste for many attendees, highlighting the need for improved systems and contingency plans at major sporting events.
