NAB Challenge fixtures officially announcedTuesday, February 2, 2016 - 1:11 PM

The 2016 AFL NAB Challenge was officially launched today by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan as tickets went on-sale to members ahead of the general public on-sale tomorrow.

There will be 27 matches in 21 regional and metropolitan centres across the four weeks of competition, starting on Thursday February 18 at Aurora Stadium, Tasmania when reigning Premiers Hawthorn take on Carlton.

Games in Western Australia will be played at Rushton Park in Mandurah, HBF Arena at Joondalup and Sounness Park in Mt Barker.

For full fixtures CLICK HERE

Mr McLachlan said the NAB Challenge allowed fans from right around Australia access to elite level football in their own backyards.

“Footy is back in 2016 and the NAB Challenge really signifies the start of the year for fans as they will have the opportunity to witness their favourite players in their own backyards when matches are played at venues like Unley Oval and Sounness Park for the first time,” he said.

“The community is the life blood of our game, so with our partner NAB, the AFL is pleased to take matches to regional and suburban grounds that don’t normally host AFL matches.”

NAB Challenge runs from Thursday February 18 through to Sunday March 13 and will see all 18 teams playing three games – two in the first three weeks and a final match each in the fourth week.

Every match across the opening three weeks will be played at regional or suburban venues around the country, while the fourth and final week will see matches staged at metropolitan AFL venues to maximise team preparations ahead of the Premiership Season.

NAB Challenge will again see nine points awarded for a NAB Supergoal kicked from outside the 50m arc. For every NAB Supergoal kicked, NAB will donate $500 worth of Sherrin footballs to the goal kicker’s junior football club.

VENUES & TICKET AGENTS

Tickets for 2016 NAB Challenge matches at the following venues can be purchased through the relevant ticketing agent:

Ticketmaster - www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100 - Rushton Park (Mandurah), Blacktown International Sportspark (Sydney), Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex (Burpengary), Simonds Stadium, Ikon Park, Sounness Park (Mount Barker, WA), HBF Arena (Joondalup), Aurora Stadium, Metricon Stadium, Domain Stadium, Etihad Stadium

Ticketek - www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849 – Norm Minns Oval (Wangaratta), Unley Oval (Adelaide), Playford Alive Oval (Adelaide), Holm Park Recreation Reserve (Beaconsfield), Drummoyne Oval (Sydney), Deakin Reserve (Shepparton), Robertson Oval (Wagga Wagga), Highgate Recreation Reserve (Craigieburn), Harrup Park Country Club (Mackay), Manuka Oval (Canberra).

The AFL advises the following NAB Challenge matches have limited capacity and expect high demand therefore encourage members to upgrade to a reserved seat (subject to availability) or register for a ticket to guarantee their entry:

Fremantle v Richmond - Rushton Park, Mandurah (WA)

St Kilda v North Melbourne - Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta (VIC)

Adelaide Crows v West Coast Eagles - Unley Oval, Adelaide (SA)

Richmond v Hawthorn - Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield (VIC)

Fremantle v Adelaide Crows - Sounness Park, Mt Barker (WA)

Sydney Swans v GWS GIANTS - Drummoyne Oval, Sydney (NSW)

North Melbourne v Collingwood - Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga (NSW)

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne - Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn (VIC)

Brisbane Lions v St Kilda - Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay (QLD)

Please see www.afl.com.au/nabchallenge for further venue and ticketing information.