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GMHBA Stadium

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Geelong moved to what is now known as GMHBA Stadium from its former home ground – Corio Oval in 1941. Since then the ground has played host to the Cats' most successful eras with premierships in 1951 and 52 as well as four grand final appearances between 1989 and 1995. In round 9, 2017, the club unveiled the new Charles Brownlow Stand which helped increase the stadium's capacity to 36,000.

In Round One, 2024, the club also opened the brand new Joel Selwood Stand, celebrating the career of Geelong's longest serving premiership captain. The new grandstand increased the capacity at GMHBA Stadium to 40,000, making it the largest capacity Australian stadium in a regional city. 

Among other uses, GMHBA Stadium has also hosted T20 International Cricket matches, International Soccer games and has also been utilised as a concert venue. 

Stadium Maps

View an interactive GMHBA Stadium precinct map, with Stadium Facilities and Ticketing Map

Getting to games

Check our match day guide in the week of each home game to learn how to get to the game.

Tickets & Membership

Tickets for our games will be on sale soon. 

To sign up as a Geelong Member with access to GMHBA Stadium home games, click here.

Holding events at GMHBA Stadium

Events and conferences are serviced by Higher Mark. To take your event to the next level, click here to contact Higher Mark to make a booking today.  

Click here for further information on GMHBA Stadium via the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust website

 

GMHBA stadium Accessibility Information

Our goal is to provide you with the kind of assistance and service excellence that will make your visit to GMHBA Stadium a safe, comfortable and positive experience. You will find GMHBA Stadium to be a user-friendly building with a customer service team that is trained to understand how to accommodate your needs. The following will give you helpful information on policies, procedures and amenities offered to make your visits with us memorable and enjoyable.

For information or assistance on our match day please see our Welcome Desk on ground level of the Charles Brownlow Stand or call our Membership Services team on 03 5225 4400

View an interactive GMHBA Stadium precinct map, with Stadium Facilities and Ticketing Map

Automatic doors

Doors are located at the following GMHBA Stadium ground entrances – Sports House, Premiership Stand and Brownlow Stand.

Braille signage

Signage is appropriately displayed on elevators, Brownlow and Premiership seat sections and restrooms.

Elevators

There are six passenger elevators to transport guests to all levels of GMHBA Stadium as well as ramps.

Water fountains

A number of water fountains throughout the arena are wheelchair height accessible.

Toilets

All mens and womens toilets in Players Stand, Premiership Stand and Brownlow Stands have accessible toilets. There are also accessible toilets located throughout the venue. All disabled toilets in the venue are unisex and also feature a baby change table.

Our changing places toilet can be found on level one of the Brownlow Stand, there will also be one available in the Joel Selwood stand.

A parent/carer may nurse a child in any public location where they are comfortable and authorized to be. Nursing parents/carers seeking more discreet accommodations are welcome to use the Parents Room located on Level 1 Brownlow Stand. Breast pumps are permitted inside GMHBA Stadium.

First aid stations

First aid stations can be found in the North: Breezeway of Ford Stand (Ground Level) and South: at the back of Players Stand (Ground Floor).

Wheelchair and carer seating

Wheelchair and carer seating is available for all Geelong Cats matches at GMHBA Stadium, subject to availability. We recommend you pre-book your ticket via Ticketmaster by calling the accessible seating line on 1300 446 925.

Accessible car parking

Accessible car parking is available on a first-in basis on event days. The dedicated disabled parking area is located in B6. Individuals parking within the accessible area must have a valid disability parking permit on display. There are also a limited number of accessible car parks in the A2 and A3 car parking area which is located behind the Premiership Stand. 

Accessible and carer/companion seating

There's accessible and carer/companion seating available throughout the venue in different locations.
 
Accessible seating can be found in:
 
The Reg Hickey Stand – this seating is all undercover and located on Level A. There are 28 wheelchair spaces and 28 carer/companion seats available;
 
The Premiership Stand – there are 18 spaces and 18 carer/companion seats located on Level 1 and also;
 
The Players Stand – 57 spaces and 57 carer/companion seats located on Level 1.
 
The Joel Selwood Stand - 77 wheelchair and 77 carer spaces available located on Level 1 and Level 2.  
 
Other seating options are also available across the stadium for patrons with other accessible seating requirements including limited mobility and low vision. These are also available to purchase through Ticketmaster.  

Accessible access

Accessible access into the stadium is available throughout the venue and any of our friendly and helpful staff would be more than happy to assist. There is a lift located within the Premiership Stand providing access to Levels 1 and 3 with a disabled seating ticket. There is also a lift located in Sports House which provides access to Levels A, B and C of the Reg Hickey Stand. This particular lift is in a restricted AFL entry point - patrons who need this lift must register prior to the match with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Management team on 03 5224 9111 and present their membership card on arrival. A public lift is located in the Players Stand providing access to Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Ticketing and Membership

Ticketing and Membership – accessible seating can be obtained (subject to availability) either per game through Ticketmaster’s accessible seating line 1300 446 925 or on a season basis via Geelong Cats Membership Services team via (03) 5225 4400.

Companion cards 

Patrons with companion cards must present the companion card when purchasing a ticket. For more information please contact Geelong Cats Membership Services team.

Hearing loops

Hearing loops are available in the President's Room and Deakin Cats Community Centre.

Our dry area (no alcohol) is within bays A10-A13 in the Players Stand.

Sensory Zone

For guests who have sensory sensitivity, we have introduced our Sensory Zone initiative.

Service dogs

Service dogs are most welcome at GMHBA Stadium.  If the handler is comfortable, the service dog able to sit underneath their seat. However, for more room the option to purchase a “Carer” seat and have the service dog be located next to this is also available. Enquiries directly to ticketing@geelongcats.com.au.
 

Sensory Sensitivity

The Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust have partnered with US not for profit organisation KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with challenges in processing sensory information.

Our objective is to provide an inclusive experience for every guest. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing challenges by supplying our staff, customer service and security members with training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.

We thank our collaborating partners: Leisure Networks, Deakin University, BCYF, Barwon Paediatric Services, Kane Constructions, Latrobe Community Health Service, NDIS, G21, Gateways Support Services, Armstrong Creek School, Diversitat, Early Childhood Early Intervention Working Group, City of Greater Geelong and the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual.

Sensory Backpacks

Sensory backpacks* containing fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Welcome desk (ground floor, Brownlow Stand) and Deakin Cats Community Centre (ground level, Players Stand).

Sensory Room

Our designated Sensory Room in the Deakin Cats Community Centre (Ground floor, Players Stand). This includes a small multi-sensory room, within a larger quiet space. Guests utilising the Sensory Room are required to have an adult carer accompanying them at all times. Please reach out to our customer service team if you require assistance locating this room. 

View an interactive GMHBA Stadium precinct map, with Stadium Facilities and Ticketing Map

Social Story

Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust have developed a social story with professional support from Deakin University, which aims to show guests what they may see and experience during a Cats home game. The social story has photographs and simple text and is read or shared with guests prior to attending. Many people find social stories can help prepare them and feel more comfortable about what they may experience throughout the day.

The story has photographs to show children what they'll encounter during a visit to GMHBA Stadium. The story can be download as a Word document to view on a computer or print out. You can also cut and paste the stories to create a story that best suits your child.

Download the "Going to GMHBA Stadium Social Story" here (.doc)

 

Sensory FAQs

What sensory inclusive resources do the Geelong Cats provide?

Our staff have undertaken an education program from renowned organization Kulture City, we have sensory backpacks available, a downloadable story social and a Sensory Room.

Do I need to be a member to access any of the Geelong Cats sensory inclusive resources?

These resources are available to one and all.

Do I need to pay to access any of the Geelong Cats sensory inclusive resources? 

All resources are free of any charge.

What are the main items that included in the Geelong Cats sensory backpacks?

Weighted lap mat, fidget tools, headphones.

How do I apply for the Geelong Cats sensory backpack?

We have 40 bags.  These bags can be collected from three locations on match day.  You simply need to provide your license or another form of identification (working with children check, proof of age card etc):

  • Welcome desk in Brownlow Stand
  • First Aid Room in the Ford Stand
  • Deakin Cats Community Centre in the Players Stand

Click here to view a map of GMHBA Stadium (pdf) 

Where/how do I pick up and return the sensory backpack?

You will be required to provide your license or membership card (or other form of photo ID).  Sensory backpacks are to be returned to the same collection point on the same day as the event. 

What and where is the Sensory Room?

The Sensory Room is located in the Deakin Cats Connect Lab in the Deakin Cats Community Centre on the concourse of the Players Stand. The Sensory Zone has a small sensory room within a larger quiet space. Guests are welcome to visit the room before, during or after the game. The Sensory Zone is designed to enable guests to feel comfortable and in control during their time at GMHBA Stadium. 

How do I get to the Sensory Room?

The multi-sensory room is opposite the Doug Wade Gate (western side of ground, opposite the pool). Click here to view a map (pdf)

Do I need a reservation before using the Sensory Room?

No reservation is required. However, be aware that at busy times there may be multiple users of the space.

Is there any bathroom nearby the Sensory Room?

Yes, facilities are 30m from the Sensory Room on the ground level concourse. 

Can I take my own food and drink into the Sensory Room?

Water is most welcome, but it is a food-free zone.

Is supervision required?

Yes, parental/guardian/carer supervision is required at all times. This is a formal requirement of the room.

Do I need to sign up when I enter the Sensory Room?

No sign up is required, however to ensure that we are providing the best possible experience, we would be grateful if anyone that accesses the space could provide an email address with view that you will be sent a survey by email to provide feedback after the match day.

What is the purpose of a social story?

Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust have developed a social story with professional support from Deakin University, which aims to show guests what they may see and experience during a Cats home game. The social story has photographs and simple text and is read or shared with guests prior to attending. Many people find social stories can help prepare them and feel more comfortable about what they may experience throughout the day.

Where can I download the social story?

The story has photographs to show children what they'll encounter during a visit to GMHBA Stadium. The story can be download as a Word document to view on a computer or print out. You can also cut and paste the stories to create a story that best suits your child.

Download the "Going to GMHBA Stadium Social Story" here (.doc)

What else can I bring from home that may help my kids with sensory sensitivity?

The following websites have some great advice/suggestions or talk to your healthcare provider.

https://www.spdstar.org/

https://sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com/

https://www.spdstar.org/node/938