Canberra will have a blockbuster AFL fixture in 2016 with the GIANTS to host powerhouses Richmond, Geelong and Port Adelaide in the nation’s capital.
2016 will mark Richmond’s debut in the ACT, while Geelong returns to StarTrack Oval following last season’s sold out match.
The GIANTS first match at StarTrack Oval in Round 2, Sunday April 3 (1.10pm) will see former Geelong champion Steve Johnson face his old side for the first time after crossing to the GIANTS in the recent trade period.
The GIANTS will return to StarTrack Oval a fortnight later to take on Port Adelaide in Round 4, Sunday April 17 (1.10pm).
Richmond, one of the AFL’s biggest clubs, will feature in the final Canberra game of the season, playing at StarTrack Oval in Round 19 on Saturday, July 30 (1.45pm).
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said 2016 represents the biggest AFL season on record in the ACT.
“We’re pleased to have an outstanding fixture in Canberra again next year as we play host to two of the AFL’s biggest clubs in Richmond and Geelong, in addition to one of the competition’s most exciting teams in Port Adelaide,” said Mr Matthews.
“The GIANTS continue to receive outstanding support as Canberra’s home team, as witnessed by our final match at StarTrack Oval last season where we enjoyed a sell out crowd against Geelong.
“To have Richmond play in Canberra for the first time will be a huge occasion and we’re thrilled to have Geelong returning to the ACT.
“Our crowds in Canberra were up 23% in 2015 which us a clear indication of the growing support for the GIANTS and the game more broadly, This fixture will build on that support by providing Canberra fans with three quality matches against high profile opponents."
The GIANTS will also play a NAB Challenge pre-season match against the Western Bulldogs under lights at StarTrack Oval on Thursday, February 25 (7.10pm).
“It’s terrific our Canberra fans will be able to see the GIANTS on their doorstep during the NAB Challenge as we play host to a hugely exciting Western Bulldogs side," Mr Matthews added.
AFL Travel, powered by GIANTS co-major partner Virgin Australia, are now selling travel packages to Canberra for GIANTS fans looking to be first behind their team for 2016. Fans can secure travel packages that include flights, accommodation and match day tickets, plus exclusive travel benefits including complimentary Virgin Australia lounge access, reserved match day seating and a match day guarantee.*
To celebrate the launch of the new fixture, AFL Travel is giving one lucky fan and a friend the chance to win the ultimate 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience. Fans simply need to book an AFL travel packages before the 29th February 2016 for automatic entry into the draw.
AFL Travel packages are available by calling 13 17 43 or by booking online at
http://www.afltravel.com.au/club/gws-giants
ACT memberships start from just $89 for adults, $32 for juniors and $210 for a family of two adults and up to four children. Memberships include entry to all three 2016 Toyota AFL Premiership season games at StarTrack Oval as well as the NAB Challenge clash against the Western Bulldogs.
All GIANTS memberships with game access also include entry to the 2016 Sydney Royal East Show on Friday March 18, Sunday March 20 and Thursday March 24, as well as a day at December’s Sydney 500 at Sydney Olympic Park.
2016 STARTRACK OVAL FIXTURE
NAB Challenge
GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
Thursday February 25, 7.10pm
Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Round 2
GIANTS v Geelong
Sunday, April 3, 1.10pm
Round 4
GIANTS v Port Adelaide
Sunday, April 17, 1.10pm
Round 19
GIANTS v Richmond
Saturday, July 30, 1.45pm
*Terms and conditions apply. NSW Permit No. LTPS/15/08560 ACT Permit No. ACT TP 15/07927 AFL Authorisation No. GFAFL16/05
