ROUND EIGHT 

Essendon v Brisbane Lions  

12:35pm (AEST), Saturday, May 2nd  

Gates open from 10:45am  

Marvel Stadium, Melbourne – Wurundjeri    

Key timings

Purple Bombers

We will be celebrating the work our official LGBTIQA+ Supporter Group, the Purple Bombers, do within the community and with the club at the game.  

Founded in 2014, The Purple Bombers aim to assist the Essendon Football Club and the AFL in being leaders of change by creating a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ supporters and players, by encouraging and promoting diversity, and inclusion within the wider football community.  

What's On?

Swing by our Fan Zone from 11:45am where there will be fun for the whole family. Keep your eyes peeled around the stadium for the stilt walkers and wave hello to Skeeta and Sky on your way to get your face painted at Gate 7.  

Throughout the match, enjoy the atmosphere with a live DJ spinning tunes on Level 2 at Gate 5. 

There will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Bomber Fan Zone, so we recommend getting to the game nice and early to make the most of everything on offer. 

Check out the Dutton One One Minute Challenge, where you can test your driving skills and complete the course in under one minute to win some prizes, and test out your hole-in-one skills while you're there. MOVA has lots on offer, featuring interactive games where lots of prizes can be won! 

Dutton Dribble will be on at quarter time, where one lucky fan attempts to dribble the ball through the goals for a jackpot of a $2000 EFTPOS voucher. 

Ring will allow fans to guess the bomber in our Ring Doorbell Dons challenge. Make sure you’re in your seats for your chance to win! 

The Airwallex Sprint & Spend challenge will be on at three quarter time. One lucky speedster will race against the Airwallex Sprint & Spend speedster to sprint to the Airwallex pay station, tap their Airwallex card, and sprint back. The winner gets a $500 Acceleration Grant for their business or professional development! 

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster for Essendon v Brisbane, and on gameday can be purchased outside Gates 1, 5, and 7 at the ticket windows.   

Reserved seats remain available for Round 8 and all General Admission areas are on level three, or level one Standing Room.    

All members without reserved seats can upgrade to a seat through Ticketmaster and use the ticket in their Ticketmaster account to get into the ground. Members can upgrade using this link.   

Essendon reserved seat members have two ways to access the game on Saturday.     

Members' physical membership cards have a barcode that will allow members to scan entry at the turnstiles, however if members are yet to receive their card, or prefer the convenience of using a mobile device, they can log in to the official Essendon app using their membership details to access the mobile membership.     

More information on how to use your mobile membership can be found here.     

Need assistance? Our friendly membership team will be available from 10:30am at the Membership Hub at Gate 5.    

If you’re not a member, it’s not too late to sign up for 2026. Simply signup/renew online and then login to the Essendon FC app to access your ticket. Further information on member benefits can be found here.    

Member Rooms

All members can come and join us in the Victory Room, to enjoy a bistro meal, and take part in our member raffle for the chance to win Guard of Honour passes, a Red & Black collection or a Bomber Shop voucher!  

High Mark members can access the Quill and Rogers room where you can enjoy a bistro meal and take part in our first goal competition, for the chance to win a Bomber Shop voucher.  

Gold Bay members can access the Rogers room where you can enjoy a bistro meal and take part in our first goal competition, for the chance to win a Bomber Shop voucher.  

Merchandise

Essendon fans can grab all the latest merchandise from the Bomber Shop located inside the ground at Gate 7, and at the Superstore between Gates 4 and 5. Don’t forget to show your physical or mobile membership card to get 10% off at all EFC merchandise outlets.   

Please note that you cannot use your membership voucher on gameday and it is only valid at the Bomber Shop at the NEC Hangar or online here. 

Limited parking is available on Saturday at Marvel Stadium with entry from 5:00am. It is encouraged to book your parking as early as possible to ensure entry. To pre-book, use this link. 

Accessibility parking at Marvel Stadium, can be booked via Ubi Park. 

Free public transport across Victoria has been extended until Sunday, May 31, 2026. You can continue to travel for free on Melbourne trains, trams, buses and regional trains coaches and bus services. You don’t need to tap on with a myki, but if you do, you will not be charged. Click here for more information. 

Train Disruptions 

Buses replace trains on the Frankston Line between Cheltenham and Frankston from 10.30pm Thursday 30 April to 8.30pm Monday 18 May. 

Buses replace trains on the Stony Point Line between Frankston and Stony Point from 10.30pm Thursday 30 April to last train Wednesday 20 May.  

Road Disruptions 

Springvale Road entry ramp to the Eastern Freeway citybound is closed from 10pm, Friday May 1 to 5am, May 4. 

Greensborough Bypass closed in both directions between Grimshaw Street and the M80 Interchange from 9pm, Friday 1 May to 5am, Monday 4 May. 

Princes Freeway Warragul-bound exit ramp closed at Clyde Road, Berwick from 5am, Monday 20 April to 5am, Saturday 30 May.  

No right turn from Clyde Road, Berwick onto Princes Freeway citybound entry ramp until late 2026. 

If you are unable to attend the match, you don’t have to miss the game. Tune in on Fox Footy, and Kayo from 12:30pm (AEST) to watch the Bombers take on the Lions (based on Melbourne/VIC region). The game will also be available on 7mate and 7plus at a delay from 2:30pm. For more information on AFL broadcast or ton check the time in your state, click here.