How to Buy Tickets for Collingwood Matches

So, you’re ready to pull on the black and white stripes and join the Magpie Army for a live game? Smart move. There’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of a Collingwood match, whether you’re at the 'G for a blockbuster or soaking up history at Vic Park for a pre-season hit-out. But let’s be honest, navigating ticket sales can feel like trying to tackle Nick Daicos in open space—daunting if you’re not prepared.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from getting your barcodes ready to finally holding that precious ticket in your hand. You’ll learn the insider tricks to snagging seats to the biggest games, including that iconic Anzac Day clash. By the end, you’ll be a ticket-buying pro, ready to lock in your spot to cheer on Pendles, Darcy Moore, and the boys. Let’s get into it.

What You'll Need Before You Start

A little prep goes a long way and can be the difference between securing a great seat and missing out. Here’s your essential toolkit:

A Ticketek Account: This is non-negotiable. The AFL and Collingwood primarily use Ticketek as their official ticketing agent. Create your free account well in advance. Have your login details saved and ensure your payment information is up-to-date. Doing this on game day is a recipe for frustration.
Collingwood Membership Details: If you’re a member, your membership barcode is your golden ticket. Have it handy, as you’ll need it to access member-only presales. Not a member yet? Check out our guide to understanding Collingwood and the AFL to see why joining the army is worth it.
A Game Plan: Which match do you want to see? Against which rival? Check the AFL fixture, note the date, time, and ‘on-sale’ dates for different ticket tiers (e.g., Member Presale, General Public). Mark these in your calendar.
Patience and a Good Internet Connection: Popular games sell fast. Be logged in and ready on multiple devices (phone, laptop) if you can, and ensure you’re on a stable Wi-Fi or data connection.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Seats

1. Know Your On-Sale Dates & Ticket Types

Not all tickets go on sale at the same time. There’s a hierarchy, and knowing it is your first strategic win.

Club & AFL Member Presales: These happen first. If you’re a Collingwood member, you’ll get an email with your exclusive presale window (usually a day or two before the general public). This is your best chance at prime seats for blockbusters.
General Public Sale: This is the free-for-all. All remaining tickets are released. For high-demand games, you need to be online the minute this sale opens.
AFL Reserve & Guest Passes: For some games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a portion of seats are held in the “AFL Reserve.” Access to these is through a separate AFL membership.

Pro-Tip: Set reminders for the presale you qualify for. The General Public sale for a game like the Anzac Day match is more of a last resort for getting good seats.

2. Master the Ticketek Website & App

On sale day, head directly to the official AFL page on Ticketek.com.au or use the Ticketek app. Do not Google “Collingwood tickets”—you might end up on a reseller site charging double.

Once there, search for the specific match (e.g., “Collingwood v Carlton Round 5”). You’ll be placed in a digital queue if traffic is high. Do not refresh your browser. Just wait patiently—the queue is usually first-come, first-served based on when you entered the waiting room.

3. Select Your Tickets & Apply Your Barcode

When it’s your turn, you’ll be taken to a seating map. Here’s where your prep pays off.

Choose Your Category: Options might include Premium, Standard, Adult, Concession, Junior, etc.
Choose Your Delivery Method: “Mobile Ticket” sent via email or the app is the standard, easiest, and most secure option.
Enter Your Barcode(s): This is the most crucial step. If you’re a member buying in a presale, you MUST enter your membership barcode in the promo code field to unlock access and member pricing. If you’re buying for friends, you’ll need each of their barcodes if they are also members using their entitlement. Need a refresher on who you might be cheering for? Our Collingwood 2024 player list guide has you covered.

4. Check Out Securely & Double-Check Details

You’re in the home stretch! Proceed to checkout, enter your payment details, and confirm the purchase. Triple-check the game details, seat locations, and the email address you’ve provided before hitting that final “Pay Now” button. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an order confirmation email almost instantly.

5. Receive & Store Your Tickets

Your actual mobile tickets (usually PDFs with a unique barcode/QR code) will be emailed to you closer to the event date, often 24-48 hours before the game. Save these to your phone’s digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) for the easiest, fastest entry at the gate. Screenshots can sometimes fail to scan, so the wallet is best.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Big Game Scramble: For marquee games (Anzac Day match, Queen’s Birthday, finals), treat the presale like a grand final win itself. Be online 15 minutes before the sale opens to enter the waiting room.
Avoid Unofficial Resellers: Sites like Viagogo or Gumtree can sell tickets at outrageous markups, and there’s a risk of being scammed with fake barcodes. Only buy from Ticketek or the official club if tickets are officially resold.
Think Beyond the ‘G: While the Melbourne Cricket Ground is our iconic home, Collingwood also plays at Marvel Stadium and in interstate games. The process is the same, but the seating categories will differ.
Group Bookings are Tricky: If you’re buying for a group in a member presale, you need ALL their barcodes ready to input at once. Trying to add tickets without a barcode in a presale will get you an error. Coordinate with your group beforehand.
Can’t Make It? If you’re a member and can’t attend, you can often forward your ticket to a friend via the Ticketek app or offer your seat up in a club resale platform (if available). Don’t let it go to waste!
Family-Friendly Tip: Look for “AFL Family” tickets during the general sale, which offer discounted packages for two adults and two children.
* Understand the Code: New to the sport? Getting familiar with the rules will heighten your experience. See how the AFL compares to other sports in our AFL vs other football codes comparison.

Your Quick-Fire Ticket Buying Checklist

To make it foolproof, here’s your match-day (well, ticket-day) checklist:

• Well in Advance: Created/verified your Ticketek account. Confirmed your payment details are saved.


• Game Week: Decided which match to attend. Noted the correct Member Presale and General Public on-sale dates/times. Have Collingwood membership barcode(s) ready.


• 15 Mins Before Sale: Logged into Ticketek on your preferred device(s). Navigated to the correct event page and am in the waiting room.


• Sale Time: Waited patiently in the queue without refreshing. Selected ticket category and quantity.


• At Checkout: Correctly entered membership barcode(s) in the promo code field (if applicable). Chose “Mobile Ticket” delivery. Double-checked all details (game, date, seats, email).


• Post-Purchase: Received and saved order confirmation email. Closer to the game, saved mobile tickets to phone’s digital wallet.


• Game Day: Charged phone, have ticket ready in digital wallet, and wearing the Magpies jumper. Go Pies!

Now you’re equipped. Whether you’re chasing history at a potential flag decider or just a regular season showdown, you can secure your seat with confidence. The roar of the black and white army awaits—see you at the footy