With the sold-out AAMI AFL Origin bouncing down tomorrow, footy fever has taken over Perth, with activations, festivals, and free events rolling out across Perth in the lead-up to the big game at Optus Stadium. More than 58,000 tickets have been snapped up, with thousands of interstate fans expected to descend on the city, and you can already see them out in numbers. It’s Friday afternoon, and many of Perth’s pubs are full of Victorian punters wearing their team’s shirts, in full banter with West Aussies.
Footy Fest brings free fun to Stadium Park
If you’re looking to soak up the atmosphere without a match ticket, Footy Fest is where you’ll want to be. Running from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm today and 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, the two-day festival at Stadium Park will feature football games, roving entertainment, food trucks, live music, WA market stalls, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
It’s free to attend, making it the perfect way to get amongst the action regardless of whether you scored a seat inside the stadium.
Activations popping up across the city
Beyond Optus Stadium, a string of AFL Origin activations are bringing football fever to some of Perth’s most iconic spots. A giant Sherrin football installation has taken over Forrest Place in the CBD, alongside a dedicated AFL Origin merchandise store for those wanting to kit themselves out in team colours.
If you’re up for a challenge, an interactive digital scavenger hunt will guide you through some of Perth’s best-known locations, with stops at the WA Museum Boola Bardip and the State Library, where WA football memorabilia is on display.
Both the WA and Victoria squads will hold open training sessions at Optus Stadium this afternoon, giving fans the chance to watch stars like Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, and Patrick Cripps put in their final preparation. Victoria trains from 3:30 pm, with WA following at 4:40 pm.
A Legacy Mural titled Homegrown by Noongar artist Kamsani Achil Bin Salleh has also been unveiled at Optus Stadium. The artwork represents pride in one’s roots and the respect earned through competition.
Can’t make it to the game? Watch it live
If you weren’t able to get a ticket, live broadcast sites at Yagan Square and the Footy Fest big screen at Optus Stadium will be screening the match, so there’s still a way to watch all the action unfold with fellow fans.
