FINALLY, AFTER 560 DAYS

FANS CAN CHEER ON THE BOYS

Geelong’s AFL team will stride out in front of actual fans at home for the first time since Round 23, 2019, when the Cats take on the Dons at GMHBA Stadium in a pre-season clash tonight.

GEELONG is hopeful a boost in capacity to 75 per cent could mean all regular ticket holders at GMHBA Stadium are given a seat in the early rounds of the season.

The AFL confirmed on Friday the stadium would be open to hold up to 50 per cent of its capacity for Saturday’s pre-season match against Essendon, a total of 18,546.

An allocation of 8000 tickets had sold out quickly this week before more went on sale at noon on Friday, with more than 10,000 sold by 5.30pm.

Cats staff have been working on a system for members to reserve seats for home games once the season starts.

On the week of a home game, members will be able to claim a seat in the bay they usually sit in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Geelong’s first home match is in Round 2 against Brisbane Lions, on March 26.

With three weeks until that clash, there is hope capacity will be boosted to 75 per cent, which would equate to an attendance of 27,819. If so, the club is hopeful it can fit in all fans who hold season seats.

“Obviously our members and supporters are hungry to watch the team play, having not been able to see them play (in Victoria) all of last year,” spokesman Kevin Diggerson said.

“We are not looking at a ballot, but rather a system where members can reserve their tickets for no cost through an online booking system.”

The stadium had a capacity of 8000 for AFLW matches.

Saturday’s match will be ticketed, meaning no spectators can walk in on the night.

The match starts at 7.10pm, with gates to open at 6pm.

All tickets are digital so spectators are urged to download them before arriving.

The AFL had confirmed a 50 per cent capacity at the MCG and Marvel Stadium, and 10,228 fans watched St Kilda defeat Carlton on Thursday night.