The Ultimate Guide to Watching Live Sport in Melbourne

From the MCG to our local, from Grand Final day to a Thursday night clash, this is a city where sporting culture runs deeper than the Yarra. And while being at the game is unbeatable, there’s something uniquely Melbourne about gathering at the pub: the banter between rival supporters, the groan that ripples through the crowd when a shot goes wide, the spontaneous eruption when the underdog pulls off the impossible.

We’ve tracked down ten venues across Melbourne where the atmosphere transforms every match into an event worthy experiencing. From waterfront precincts to historic corner pubs, rooftop bars with skyline views to riverside beer gardens — these are the places where Melbourne comes together to watch sport the way it’s meant to be watched.

One of Melbourne’s newest multi-level pub sensation, Quarterhouse opened in May 2025 and has already become the go-to destination for sports fans near Southern Cross Station. This contemporary three-level venue for up to 1,400 people sits in the heart of the Melbourne Quarter precinct, just minutes from Marvel Stadium, making it the perfect pre-game or all-day sporting destination.

The ground floor Public Bar delivers classic pub energy with a game-changing 4-metre-wide LED screen—one of Melbourne’s largest—ensuring every play feels larger than life. What makes Quarterhouse truly special is the rooftop bar with its wrap-around terrace opening onto the brand-new Sky Park suspended above Collins Street. Live sport broadcasts on screens throughout the venue, while the rooftop offers skyline views, cocktails, and DJs from sunset onwards. Free pool on Mondays, acoustic sessions and DJs Thursday through Sunday, plus a traditional Sunday roast with bottomless gravy for $35 — Quarterhouse has cracked the code on making every match day an event worth attending.

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Four levels of pure sporting entertainment in the heart of the CBD, Hickens Hotel is where Melbourne’s rich pub history collides with next-level sports atmosphere. After a new transformation, this Russell Street icon—named after 1870s boxer Ebenezer “Abe” Hickens—has been reborn as Melbourne’s ultimate multi-level sports destination.

The second level, Abe’s Athletic Hall, is where the magic happens. Wall-to-wall screens ensure you won’t miss a second of action, while private booths come with their own dedicated screens for your crew. But here’s the kicker — between quarters or at half-time, challenge your mates to NBA Jam on the arcade machines, grab a game of foosball, or duck into one of two karaoke rooms when the celebrations kick in. Australia’s first Carlton Draught lounge pours tank-fresh beer that’s never been pasteurized, while the brand-new rooftop offers city views and golden hour vibes. With four distinct levels, Hickens doesn’t just show the game, it creates an entire sporting experience.

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Perched on the picturesque Maribyrnong River, Anglers Tavern has returned as one of Melbourne’s most beloved sporting landmarks. This Melbourne icon proves you don’t need to be in the CBD to get that electric match-day atmosphere. Sometimes, the best sports viewing happens where the city meets the river.

The epic sports bar downstairs features mega screens broadcasting every major code live and loud, with the Maribyrnong River providing a stunning natural backdrop through expansive windows. What makes Anglers truly special is how it’s designed for everyone. Supersized screens for die-hard fans, interactive play zones for kids, and a sprawling beer garden where families and furry friends are welcome. The venue spans two levels with function rooms upstairs, while downstairs you’ll find the TAB, bistro, and that all-important soft serve machine. Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch or making it an all-day affair, Anglers delivers that rare combination of serious sports atmosphere and genuine family-friendly vibes by the water.

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Affectionately known as “The Hawka,” this 1868 icon has been the beating heart of Hawthorn’s sporting and social scene for over 150 years. Fresh off a major comeback with a brand-new look, the Hawthorn Hotel combines historic pub charm with modern facilities that make it a favorite.

Screens throughout the venue show all your favorite sports live and loud—AFL, NRL, NBL, Rugby, UFC, Premier League and more—while the newly constructed outdoor beer garden with retractable roof has become the perfect spot for those long Melbourne sporting sessions. What makes the Hawka special is its ability to feel like a proper local while delivering top-tier sports viewing. Order from your phone and your food and drinks arrive tableside without missing a moment, while daily specials like Steak Wednesday and the legendary Tightarse Tuesdays are just one of the many reasons to keep returning for more. 

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A St Kilda icon since 1891, the Village Belle is a heritage-listed pub that’s become one of Melbourne’s most versatile sports venues. This sleek, contemporary space respects its history while delivering modern sports-watching excellence across four distinct areas.

The Public Bar is where the action happens, serving Carlton Draught Brewery Fresh Tank Beer—the freshest draught available, tanked directly from the brewery on brewing day and designed to be enjoyed within 14 days. Multiple screens broadcast everything from AFL and NRL to UFC and boxing, all year round. The renovated space now includes four distinct areas: the Garden Bar, Balcony Bar, Public Bar, and The Doulton Lounge, plus an all-year-round beer garden with a retractable glass ceiling. The venue has successfully struck that difficult balance between old and new, creating a community hub that works whether you’re there for serious sports viewing or a casual Sunday session with mates.

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Rich in culture, rich in history, rich in sport — that’s Richmond, and the Richmond Club Hotel sits right in the heart of it all. Built in the late 1800s and originally known as the Duke of Richmond, this three-level venue has satiated the thirst of locals and wanderers for over 140 years, and it’s not slowing down.

Behind the unassuming Swan Street façade lies a sprawling sporting playground. The traditional public bar on the ground level catches all the live sport, but it’s the rooftop that has to be seen to be believed — epic views of Melbourne’s skyline create an atmosphere unlike any other sports pub in the city. Just a short stroll from the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and AAMI Park, the Richmond Club Hotel is where you go before the game, after the game, or instead of the game. The three levels mean you can choose your vibe, from the casual beer garden to the dining room to that show-stopping rooftop. With screens on every level showing everything from AFL and NRL to NBA and UFC, and the energy of Swan Street at your doorstep, this is Richmond’s living room.

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Perched on the banks of the Yarra River in the modern WTC Wharf precinct, the Wharf Hotel delivers something unique—the perfect combination of a friendly local pub with stunning city views and waterfront ambience. Just a 10-minute walk from Marvel Stadium, this is where pre-game rituals happen.

Eight HD big screens throughout the venue show Fox Sports, ESPN, Stan Sport, and free-to-air, ensuring you catch all the latest sporting action from around the globe. What sets the Wharf apart is its setting—premium areas both indoors and outdoors let you choose between river views and city skyline, with the Yarra providing that quintessentially Melbourne backdrop. The contemporary design incorporates features from the old wharf, seamlessly blending the location’s maritime heritage with modern sports-bar excellence. The Wharf also takes requests—if you don’t see your game on the schedule, give them a call and they’ll do their best to show it. Monday to Friday happy hour from 4-6pm offers $8 selected schooners and wines, while their lunch special (main and pot for $25) makes midweek sports sessions easy on the wallet.

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Melbourne’s ultimate urban beer bar, Hopscotch isn’t your typical sports pub—it’s a craft beer lover’s paradise that happens to show every major sporting event on nine screens throughout the venue, including a mega screen on the terrace. Located on Southbank overlooking the city, this is where beer culture meets sports culture.

Hopscotch boasts over 35 beers on tap, including unique batches from Frank the Tank—their custom in-house microbrewery. The venue’s nine screens (including that impressive terrace mega screen) show AFL, cricket, NBL, UFC, and whatever else is on, with staff happy to change channels on request. The atmosphere here is different—it’s more urban backyard than traditional sports bar, with festoon lights, a riverside terrace, and that laid-back Melbourne vibe. Street food-style menu with global flavors keeps you fueled, while beer paddles let you sample multiple brews. The combination of world-class craft beer, river views, and comprehensive sports coverage makes Hopscotch the go-to for those who want their sports with a side of sophistication.

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Just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD in the gently rolling hills northwest of the city, Ball Court Hotel has been serving up pub classics and sporting passion since the mid-1870s. As the only remaining 19th-century hotel in Sunbury, this venue honors its heritage while delivering modern sports-bar excellence.

The traditional sports bar is equipped with TAB, big screens showing all major sporting events, and pool tables for half-time entertainment. The festoon-light-covered beer garden includes a kids’ playground, making it genuinely family-friendly for big match days. What makes Ball Court special is its community feel—regular live music almost every weekend, daily specials like the famous $22 parma and pot on Tuesdays, and happy hour making weekdays more fun. The Cellardoor Wine Bar offers a more refined option if you want to pair your sports viewing with craft beers, cocktails, and charcuterie, while the drive-through bottle shop on Jackson Street means you can grab your favorites without the traffic hassles.

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This Prahran favorite combines the classic neighborhood pub atmosphere with serious sports credentials. College Lawn Hotel has built its reputation on being the place where locals gather to watch their teams, and the atmosphere reflects that genuine community spirit.

Multiple screens throughout the venue ensure every angle’s covered for AFL, rugby, UFC, cricket, and tennis—whatever the season demands. The venue strikes that perfect balance of being laid-back enough for a casual beer but equipped enough for serious sports viewing. What sets College Lawn apart is its unpretentious approach—this isn’t about flashy features or gimmicks, it’s about cold beers, good pub food, and a community of regulars who gather to share in the sporting experience. The ability to order from your phone means your drinks arrive tableside, keeping you in your seat for every crucial moment.

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Whether you’re in the CBD, by the river, or at your local, The Pass makes watching sport at the pub even better. Order food and drinks straight to your table, stack up rewards with every visit, and stay glued to the action instead of queuing at the bar.

The next big match is calling. From the Matildas taking on Asia’s best to the games that stop the city, Melbourne’s sporting calendar never sleeps. These ten venues understand what makes watching sport in Melbourne special—and they’re ready to deliver the atmosphere, the screens, the cold pints, and the moments you’ll be talking about long after the final whistle. Download The Pass and make every match day legendary.