AAMI Park: All You Need to Know
AAMI Park, officially known as Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, is located in the heart of Melbourne’s world-class Sports and Entertainment Precinct, just a stone's throw from the CBD on the banks of the Yarra River. Opened in 2010, the stadium is iconic for its award-winning "bio-frame" geodesic dome roof, which provides shelter while using 50% less steel than a typical structure.
AAMI Park is the home ground for the Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC.
The Graveyard: A Storm Fortress
While Melbourne is the traditional heartland of AFL, AAMI Park has become a "Graveyard" for visiting NRL teams. Since moving from Olympic Park, the Melbourne Storm have turned this venue into one of the most intimidating road trips in world rugby league. The stadium’s design brings the 30,000-strong crowd right to the edge of the pitch, creating an electric, cauldron-like atmosphere. Fans have witnessed the brilliance of club legends like Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, and Cooper Cronk, and more recently, the explosive play of Ryan Papenhuyzen. The Storm’s consistent success has fostered a "purple pride" culture that rivals any club in Sydney or Queensland.
The venue is equally significant for football (soccer) fans; it hosted the opening match of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and remains the stage for the heated Melbourne Derby between City and Victory, where the acoustic design of the roof traps the chants of the "Active Support" ends to create a deafening wall of sound.
Best Places for a Pre-Game Drink
The Sporting Globe (Richmond): A staple for Melbourne sports fans. Located on nearby Swan Street, it’s packed with screens and offers a classic American-style sports bar menu with plenty of beers on tap.
The Corner Hotel: An iconic Melbourne institution. Just a short walk from the ground, its rooftop bar is the perfect spot for a pre-match pint and a 'parma' while soaking in the Richmond skyline.
Royal Saxon: For those looking for a slightly more polished vibe, this venue offers a great beer garden and Italian-inspired pub fare, located just a 10-minute stroll from the stadium gates.
Garden State Hotel: A massive, multi-level lush greenery-filled pub on Flinders Lane, ideal for those heading over from the CBD side before the game.
Getting There
By Public Transport: The stadium is incredibly accessible. Richmond Station and Jolimont Station are both within walking distance. Alternatively, take the Route 70 tram from Flinders Street directly to Stop 7D (AAMI Park).
By Car: Parking within the precinct is extremely limited and usually requires pre-booking via the Melbourne & Olympic Parks website. Most fans prefer to park in the CBD and walk across the William Barak Bridge or use the surrounding Richmond side streets (though be wary of permit zones).
Game Day
AAMI Park offers elevated stadium fare. Alongside the standard pies and hot dogs, you’ll find specialized outlets serving souvlakis, gourmet burgers, and fish and chips. Bars located throughout the concourse serve a variety of local Victorian craft beers, wine, and spirits.
Merchandise
On match days, the Rebel Sport outlet at the stadium is the primary spot for gear. Mobile merchandise vans are also stationed around the exterior of the stadium (usually near Olympic Boulevard) for quick jersey or scarf pickups.
Accessibility
AAMI Park is a fully accessible venue. Accessible seating is located on Level 1 of the Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern stands. Lifts provide access to all levels. For specific requirements, fans can contact the venue at (03) 9286 1600.
Payment
The stadium is a cashless venue.
Post-Match
The Richmond Club Hotel is one of the first pubs to fill after the game. Spread over multiple levels with plenty of screens and strong tap options, it’s a reliable spot for a lively debrief and a proper post-match atmosphere.
Post Office Hotel (known locally as Posty) offers a slightly more relaxed setting, with quality pub meals and wood-fired pizzas that work well for groups. It’s a good choice if you’re settling in rather than squeezing into a packed front bar.
The London Tavern Hotel delivers heritage charm and a traditional Aussie pub vibe. Solid parmas (as the Victorians say), great burgers and a sheltered beer garden - the kind of place where league fans can hold court over the big moments.
