There’s nothing quite like game day at Kardinia Park. Whether you’re a lifelong Cats supporter who’s been there since the 2007 premiership or a newer fan still learning the chants, showing up prepared makes all the difference between a good day and an unforgettable one. I’ve been through enough wet and windy afternoons at GMHBA Stadium to know exactly what you need—and what you don’t.
This checklist covers everything from what to wear to where to park, how to time your arrival, and even how to handle those nail-biting moments when the Cats are down by a goal in the final quarter. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof system for every home game.
What You’ll Achieve
By following this guide, you’ll walk into Kardinia Park feeling like a seasoned pro. You’ll avoid common rookie mistakes like forgetting your rain jacket or missing the opening bounce. You’ll know exactly where to grab a pre-game pie, how to navigate the stadium upgrade, and what to do if you’re bringing kids. Most importantly, you’ll be fully present to soak in every moment—from the first siren to the final goal.
Prerequisites / What You Need
Before we dive in, make sure you’ve got the basics sorted:
- A valid ticket (check the AFL app or Ticketmaster if you’re unsure)
- Your membership card (if you’re a member—and if you’re not, consider it for 2025 season)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (Geelong weather changes faster than a Chris Scott press conference)
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking, standing, and probably jumping)
- A charged phone (for scores, updates, and those post-game celebration selfies)
- Cash or card (some food vendors prefer one over the other)
- A positive attitude (trust me, it helps when the umpiring gets questionable)
- A small backpack (fits under your seat)
- Sunscreen and a hat (even in winter, the sun surprises you)
- Earplugs (if you’re sensitive to noise—the crowd gets loud)
- A Geelong scarf or beanie (show your colours proudly)
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Plan Your Journey to the Cattery
Getting to Kardinia Park is half the adventure. Start by checking traffic and public transport options at least 24 hours before game day. The stadium upgrade has improved access, but it’s still busy on match days.
If you’re driving, consider parking a few blocks away and walking. The streets around GMHBA Stadium fill up fast, especially for big games like a finals clash or a showdown with Collingwood. Aim to arrive 45 minutes before the first bounce to avoid the rush.
For public transport, trains from Southern Cross Station run directly to Geelong. From there, it’s a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk to the ground. The V/Line service is reliable, but check for any planned disruptions on the day.
Pro tip: If you’re coming from Melbourne, catch an earlier train than you think you need. Nothing ruins game day like sprinting through the gates as the siren sounds.
Step 2: Dress for Geelong Weather (Seriously)
Geelong has a reputation for four seasons in one day. I’ve seen sun, rain, and hail all within a single quarter. Layer up with a base layer, a hoodie, and a waterproof jacket. Avoid cotton if it’s wet—it’ll stay damp and cold.
Wear your Geelong colours proudly. A blue and white hooped jumper, a scarf, or even a beanie shows you’re part of the family. If you’re new to the Cats, don’t worry—nobody judges you for wearing last year’s merch. We’re all here for the same reason.
Common mistake: Wearing new shoes. Break them in before game day, or you’ll be limping by half-time.
Step 3: Arrive Early and Explore
Get to Kardinia Park at least 30 minutes before the first bounce. This gives you time to soak in the atmosphere, grab a coffee, and find your seat without stress.
Walk around the concourse to see the Kardinia Park redevelopment. The new stands and facilities are impressive—there’s better food options, more shade, and improved sightlines. If you’re a fan of history, check out the club memorabilia displays near the main entrance. You might spot a tribute to Joel Selwood or a nod to the 2007 premiership.
What to do: Grab a match program. It’s a small keepsake and helps you identify players if you’re still learning the squad.
Step 4: Fuel Up Like a Champion
Game day food is part of the experience. The pies at GMHBA Stadium are legendary—get the traditional meat pie with sauce, or try something new like the chicken parma roll. If you’re after something lighter, there are salad bowls and wraps available.
Avoid heavy, greasy food that’ll make you sluggish. You want to be alert for every mark, every goal, and every tackle. Stay hydrated—bring a water bottle or buy one at the ground.
Pro tip: Eat before the game starts. The queues at quarter-time are brutal, and you don’t want to miss a Patrick Dangerfield burst or a Tom Hawkins set shot.
Step 5: Know the Game Plan
Before the siren, take a moment to check the team sheet. Who’s playing forward? Who’s in the midfield? Is there a debutant or a returning star? This helps you follow the action better.
Listen to the pre-game announcements. The crowd energy ramps up as the players run out. Cheer loud for the Cats—your voice matters. Studies show home crowd noise can influence umpiring decisions, so make yourself heard.
If you’re new to AFL: Don’t stress about understanding every rule. Focus on the basics—kick, handball, mark, goal. Ask the person next to you; most fans love explaining the game.
Step 6: Settle Into Your Seat and Enjoy the Game
Once you’re seated, put your phone on silent (or at least vibrate). You’re here to watch footy, not scroll Instagram. Keep your eyes on the ball and your ears open for the crowd’s reactions.
Cheer for everything: a big mark, a hard tackle, a clever handball. Even if the Cats are down, stay positive. Chris Scott’s teams are known for fighting back, and your energy can help.
During breaks: Use quarter-time and half-time to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or visit the bathroom. Don’t wait until the last minute—the queues get long.
Step 7: Handle the Nail-Biting Moments
Every Cats fan knows the feeling: the game is close, the clock is ticking, and your heart is pounding. This is where preparation pays off.
Take deep breaths. Focus on the next contest, not the scoreboard. Trust the players—they’ve been in this situation before. If the Cats are trailing, remember comebacks are part of our DNA. Think of the 2009 Grand Final or the 2011 premiership.
If you’re with kids: Keep them calm. Explain that footy is about effort, not just winning. They’ll learn resilience from watching the Cats.
Step 8: Celebrate (or Commiserate) Responsibly
After the final siren, take a moment to absorb the result. If the Cats won, celebrate with high-fives and chants. If they lost, don’t dwell on it. Every season has ups and downs—that’s footy.
Head to the post-game area near the players’ race if you want to catch a glimpse of the team. Sometimes players stop for autographs or photos, especially after a big win.
Pro tip: Avoid traffic jams by staying 15 minutes after the game. Use that time to chat with fellow fans or grab a coffee from a nearby café.
Step 9: Reflect and Plan for Next Time
On the way home, think about what worked and what didn’t. Did you bring enough layers? Did you arrive on time? Did you miss anything? Adjust your checklist for next game day.
Share your experience on social media or with friends. Tag the club—they love seeing fan photos. And if you’re planning to attend the 2025 AFL Finals Series, start saving now. Tickets sell out fast.
Pro Tips / Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Forgetting the weather. Geelong can go from sunny to stormy in minutes. Always bring a jacket, even if the forecast looks clear.
Mistake #2: Arriving too late. You miss the pre-game build-up, the player warm-ups, and the chance to settle in. Aim for 30 minutes early at minimum.
Mistake #3: Not checking the AFL Draft news. If you’re a draft nerd, game day is a great time to discuss prospects with other fans. But don’t let it distract you from the live action.
Mistake #4: Overpacking. A small backpack is fine, but a huge bag is a hassle. You’ll have to store it under your seat, and it’ll annoy your neighbours.
Pro tip: If you’re bringing kids, pack snacks and activities for the breaks. Colouring books, small toys, or even a footy card game keep them entertained.
Pro tip: Learn the names of a few Geelong VFL players. They’re the future of the club, and you’ll impress your mates when you spot them on the field.
Checklist Summary
Here’s your quick-reference list. Print it, save it to your phone, or memorise it. You’ll never have a bad game day again.
- Check your ticket and membership card
- Plan your journey (car, train, or bus)
- Check the weather forecast
- Dress in layers with waterproof gear
- Wear Geelong colours
- Arrive 30 minutes before the first bounce
- Explore the Kardinia Park redevelopment
- Grab a pre-game pie and drink
- Check the team sheet
- Find your seat and settle in
- Put phone on silent
- Cheer loud for the Cats
- Stay calm during close moments
- Celebrate or commiserate respectfully
- Reflect and adjust for next time
- Bring a scarf or beanie
- Pack sunscreen and a hat
- Bring earplugs if needed
- Have cash or card for food
Go Cats.
Want more tips? Check out our guides on getting started with the Cats, our finals history, and the full story of Kardinia Park.
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