Kardinia Park GMHBA Stadium
Iconic Kardinia Park, home to the Geelong Cats, offering a vibrant atmosphere for AFL and community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Kardinia Park GMHBA Stadium
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Kardinia Park, home to the Geelong Cats, offering a vibrant atmosphere for AFL and community events.
"A modern stadium with a great atmosphere, especially for Geelong Cats home games."
🚗 Parking Tips
Consider parking at Kmart for a walk, or explore local street parking options further out. :car:
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
For AFL games, secure your tickets well in advance to guarantee entry. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Reggie Wave
General Admission Areas
Witness this iconic stadium tradition, a wave of energy that sweeps through the crowd.
Selwyn Stand
Western Stand
Experience the modern marvel of the recently redeveloped stand, offering premium views.
Geelong Cats Club Room View
Adjacent Cafe
Enjoy a coffee and soak in the atmosphere while spotting players at their local cafe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating GMHBA Stadium
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Consider parking at Kmart for a walk, or explore local street parking options further out. :car:
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
For AFL games, secure your tickets well in advance to guarantee entry. :admission_tickets:
☕ Cafe Vibe
Arrive early to the cafe for great coffee and a chance to see players. :coffee:
💧 Stadium Dry-Off
Helicopters are sometimes used to dry the pitch after rain! :helicopter:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Consider parking at Kmart for a walk, or explore local street parking options further out. :car:
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
For AFL games, secure your tickets well in advance to guarantee entry. :admission_tickets:
☕ Cafe Vibe
Arrive early to the cafe for great coffee and a chance to see players. :coffee:
💧 Stadium Dry-Off
Helicopters are sometimes used to dry the pitch after rain! :helicopter:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if parking further away. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
GMHBA Stadium is praised for its modern facilities, comfortable seating, and vibrant atmosphere, especially during Geelong Cats AFL games. Visitors appreciate the clean amenities and the unique traditions like the 'Reggie Wave'. However, some reviews point to high food prices and limited parking as drawbacks.
"Decent sized stadium that feels modern and has great food options and great lighting for night games. Have been a few times and when entering and leaving haven’t had no issues as there are plenty of exits from any area seating. Would be great if they had MORE parking available. Great place to see a home game for Geelong Cats 🐱🤍💙"
Jessa Mae Venuto
"We visited as members of an interstate team. We were very impressed with the modern stadium. Great what they can do with the lights after goals etc. Seats were comfortable. Toilets were clean. Oh and the donuts were amazing. And our team won!"
Angela Pyke
"Fantastic cafe, great food at a good price. One of the best coffees around. Awesome seating area where you can look straight into the Geelong Cats Club room. We like to get there early when they just open on a day where the players rock up for work as they're always in the cafe getting their morning caffeine fix. Lovely atmosphere and lovely cafe staff. Go Cats...."
richard kirkland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kardinia Park Stadium is accessible by car, with parking available, though it can be limited on game days. Public transport options include buses that stop nearby. Many visitors suggest parking at Kmart or exploring street parking a bit further from the stadium if you don't mind a walk.
Yes, several bus routes service the area around Kardinia Park. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient options to reach GMHBA Stadium for events.
Parking at GMHBA Stadium can be challenging on event days. While some on-site parking exists, it fills up quickly. Consider nearby Kmart or residential streets for alternative parking, but be prepared for a walk.
Yes, GMHBA Stadium is within walking distance of the Geelong CBD, making it a convenient option for those staying in the city center.
Information on park and ride services can vary depending on the event. It's best to check the official Kardinia Park or event organizer's website closer to your visit for any available shuttle services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Geelong Cats games are typically sold through official AFL ticketing partners. It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular matches, to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours for GMHBA Stadium vary depending on scheduled events. For non-event days, access might be limited. Check the Kardinia Park website for specific hours or event schedules.
While some tickets might be available on game day, it's not guaranteed, especially for high-demand AFL matches. Booking in advance is the safest bet to ensure entry.
Yes, Kardinia Park offers a variety of seating options, including grandstands, general admission, and corporate boxes, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Generally, outside food and drinks are restricted, with specific allowances for baby food or medical needs. The stadium has food and beverage outlets available for purchase.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere at GMHBA Stadium for AFL games, especially when the Geelong Cats are playing, is renowned for being electric and passionate. The 'Reggie Wave' is a notable crowd tradition.
Food options at Kardinia Park have received mixed reviews. While some visitors praise the donuts and cafes, others have found certain items overpriced or of lower quality.
The toilet facilities at GMHBA Stadium are generally reported as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a positive visitor experience.
Kardinia Park aims to be accessible for all visitors. Information on accessible seating, parking, and facilities can be found on the official Kardinia Park website.
For an immersive experience, seats closer to the action in the stands offer great views. The recently redeveloped Selwyn Stand provides excellent sightlines.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stadium's architecture and the energy of game day. The stands, the field of play, and the iconic 'Reggie Wave' moments offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are permitted. However, check specific event guidelines as restrictions may apply.
Professional photography equipment, such as tripods or large lenses, may require special accreditation or may be restricted during events. It's advisable to check with stadium management beforehand.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the stadium. For game day action, any time during the match provides dynamic photo opportunities.
During training sessions or when players visit the adjacent cafe, you might get opportunities for candid shots. On game days, focus on capturing them in action on the field.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, attending during the off-season or for community events might be preferable. The stadium's accessibility features also cater to families with young children or strollers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Attending during the off-season for non-ticketed events or exploring the park grounds can offer free or low-cost ways to experience the venue. Keep an eye out for community events that might have lower entry fees.
⚽ Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond AFL, check the Kardinia Park schedule for other sporting events, such as netball finals, which showcase the stadium's versatility. +1Consider visiting the cafe near the club rooms to potentially see players and soak in the local sporting culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Evolution of Kardinia Park
The stadium is the beloved home of the Geelong Football Club, one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the AFL, founded in 1859. The ongoing redevelopment projects, such as the new Selwyn Stand, highlight a commitment to modernizing the venue and enhancing the fan experience. These upgrades ensure Kardinia Park remains a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events.
Beyond AFL, the park has also hosted other sporting codes and community events, including netball
and inclusive sports leagues, demonstrating its versatility and importance to the Geelong region. Experiencing a Geelong Cats Game Day
Visitors often highlight the 'Reggie Wave' as a unique and unifying crowd tradition that adds to the excitement. Fans are advised to arrive early, not just for parking, but also to soak in the pre-game buzz. Some visitors enjoy visiting the cafe adjacent to the club rooms, where they might catch players grabbing a coffee.
While the game day experience is generally positive, reviews suggest that food options can be a point of contention, with some finding them overpriced. However, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the stadium's ambiance and the thrill of watching the Cats play at home.
Beyond the Game: Events at GMHBA Stadium
to local sporting finals in netball and other codes, the stadium plays a vital role in the Geelong community. The stadium's facilities are also utilized for corporate events, functions, and other entertainment. Its modern infrastructure and scenic location make it an attractive venue for diverse activities.
The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust actively works to ensure the park is a vibrant hub for both sporting and cultural activities, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit