AFL Travel in 2009

A few years ago we had an article published in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald about home and away AFL travel and we have just finished putting together some AFL Travel Packages for 2009 AFL home and away season. So what has changed since then? The main difference is the internet. In the old days it was print adds, marketing lists with phone numbers and contacts with in clubs. These days it is mostly online and it is easier and cheaper than ever to travel interstate to watch the footy. There is a huge range of airfares that suit the footy, more airlines are traveling to Melbourne, there are more hotels to choose from and importantly “the weekend away” is firmly entrenched in the minds of the footy fan. These days there is so much more to do before and after the game. If you drive over from Adelaide or down from NSW and the ACT it is more than just coming to Melbourne for the game. In 2009 it is about seeing the sites like Eureka Sky Deck, eating out before the game, visiting a few bars, doing a bit of factory outlet or laneway shopping. It seems there is always a sizeable number of interstate footy fans in club colours at the Vic Market every Saturday or Sunday. The venues themselves have caught on and offer more and more. The latest is the new National Sports Museum at the G, the park between the G and the city has really come into its own and there are now masses of entertainment, accommodation and eating options around the Dome and Southern Cross station both before and after the game as well as a million opportunities to spend a fortune while you are in the venue. Gone are the days of a motel in Brunswick and a wet and windy tram ride to Princess Park with fish and chips on Sydney Road on the way home, nice memories but I am enjoying the modern creature comforts and the modern game.