…but that’s never stopped the city’s pubs from going all in on Grand Final Sunday. From dual viewing packages and rooftop after-parties to live duos and $11 pints, here’s where to plant yourself on Sunday 4 October for the NRL Grand Final in Melbourne.
For footy fans who want options, Wharf Hotel is giving you two ways to play it: book a table for free entry and watch every moment on the big screens, or upgrade to the match-long Bottomless Package and take in the action from kick-off to full-time. Either way, live music runs throughout the afternoon before coverage begins, Happy Hour kicks in from 4pm–6pm, the NRLW Grand Final screens live and loud, and then it’s the NRL Grand Final live and loud across multiple screens. It’s a complete day-out package, gather your crew
Southbank’s Hopscotch is turning Grand Final Sunday into a proper session, with live music running from 12pm right up until kick-off. The game screens live and loud throughout the pub, including on the mega screen out on the terrace — so whether you’re inside or soaking up the riverside afternoon, you’re not missing a moment.
Right in the CBD, Bourke Street Imperial has the game live and loud on the big screens with an unbeatable sporting atmosphere, and the day doesn’t stop at the final siren — live music kicks off straight after, so there’s every reason to book the table and turn it into a full day and night in the city.
Over in Hawthorn, The Hawthorn Hotel has massive screens and full surround sound sorted for the biggest NRL game of the season, and if you want to make a real day of it, the Punters Pack add-on gets you two hours of bottomless beer, wine and spirits plus your choice of a pub classic.
In the city, Hickens Hotel is pairing the footy with pre-game entertainment from a live duo and the full à la carte menu. Kick-off is at 7:30pm, with NRL bookings available from 6pm — regular bookings and walk-ins are also welcome if you’re keeping plans loose.
Down at Middle Park Hotel, Grand Final Sunday starts with a hearty Sunday Roast before live music takes over from 3pm–6pm. Once the sun starts to set, $11 pints of Guinness keep the celebrations rolling as the game plays live and loud across the big screens.
In Abbotsford, Terminus Hotel — the Termo — has live music running from 4:30–7:30pm alongside $17 cocktails and a Sunday Roast, so you can settle in for the afternoon and stay for all the action live and loud.
And in Richmond, The Bridge Hotel is keeping it classic: $11 Aperol Spritz, a Sunday Roast, and the NRL Grand Final live and loud on the big screens, surrounded by fellow footy fans for some proper pub atmosphere.
Wherever you land in Melbourne, there’s a table, a big screen and a cold drink waiting — book ahead and make Sunday 4 October count.
