Tickets go on sale this week for Melbourne Storm’s first game of 2023 – the NRL Pre-Season Challenge match against the Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday, February 12 (1.50pm).
The Victorian Government through its Regional Events Fund has joined with Storm to bring the stars of the NRL to the region for the first time since 2019 with Storm ready to showcase its new signings as well as the established squad members who have been deep in pre-season training.
Tickets will be available through ticketmaster.com.au with big discounts available for Storm 2023 members whose ticket window will be the first to open at 10am on Wednesday.
Storm junior members tickets will be available for $8, with adult member tickets just $19, concession $15 and family $46.
As a bonus for Geelong Football Club members, they’ll be able to buy tickets at the same prices as Storm members from Thursday (10am).
Special trial game Storm memberships will be available for a $10 upgrade on top of the price of a general public ticket, which includes entry to the trial as well as the bonus of one NRL home game of your choice in Melbourne.
General admission tickets will go on sale on Friday (10am) and will cost $25 for adults, $20 concession, $10 for juniors and $60 family.
Storm will also use the pre-season clash, which is supported by the City of Greater Geelong, to build interest in the new junior rugby league club in the region, the Geelong Sharks, who will play in the Storm Junior League and the seniors Storm Premiership for the first time in 2023.
The Sharks are set to run teams in the under-10, under-12 and under-13 age groups, as well as a senior men’s side.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the club received a great response when plans for the trial were announced late last year.
“It is a Storm tradition to take a match to the regions during pre-season and the feedback we have received about bringing a game back to Geelong has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.
Storm and Roosters are two of the powerhouse clubs in the NRL so our members, fans and those keen to experience rugby league are sure to experience and enjoy a memorable afternoon.
Justin Rodski CEO, Melbourne Storm
“The game will add to an exciting time for rugby league in Geelong with the birth of Sharks, who will be well represented on gameday.
“Everyone at Storm wishes the Sharks all the best for their debut season.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “We’re backing Melbourne Storm’s first game of 2023 in Geelong, giving local fans a chance to see elite rugby league action at Kardinia Park while offering another great drawcard to bring more visitors to the region to support local jobs and businesses.”
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine Executive Director Tracy Carter said: “It’s terrific to have Storm, as so many Melbournians do, enjoying our coast this summer. The trial match is a fantastic opportunity for fans to enjoy local hospitality, destinations and attractions before and after the game.”
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin said: “After a huge 2022 for Kardinia Park, we are thrilled to once again showcase the multi-purpose nature of GMHBA Stadium. We welcome back the Melbourne Storm to Geelong and encourage fans to create a sea of purple as they enjoy two powerhouses of the NRL clash in our backyard.”
Storm will continue its Pre-Season Challenge campaign against the Warriors in Christchurch on February 19.
The season opener will be against Parramatta at CommBank Stadium on March 2 with Storm’s first home game at AAMI Park coming nine days later against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
