VOL 27 ISSUE 39, October 5, 2026
Main caption: Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. (second from left) joined Delaware North leaders at the 2026 Australia Football League Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which hosted a sold-out crowd of more than 100,000 fans. Pictured with Jacobs (left to right) are Travis Dines, director of hospitality, the MCG; Gary Brown, managing director, Delaware North Australia and New Zealand; Kieran Fitzpatrick, chief operating officer, Delaware North Australia and New Zealand; and Hilary Mangazva, director, food and beverage operations, the MCG.
The 2026 Australian Football League (AFL) season concluded with a thrilling Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sept. 26, which saw the Brisbane Lions defeat the Fremantle Dockers, securing their third consecutive championship and sixth overall.
A crowd of more than 100,000 fans came thirsty and hungry to the MCG, which is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and where Delaware North serves as hospitality and merchandise provider. The MCG and Delaware North similarly hosted more than 100,000 fans just two weeks earlier for the first NFL game in Australia and nearly 100,000 fans for an AFL Preliminary Final match on Sept. 19.
“The AFL Grand Final holds a special place in Australian sport and in Melbourne’s identity,” said Gary Brown, managing director of Delaware North Australia and New Zealand. “Being part of an event that means so much to so many people is a privilege, and it’s a testament to our team’s passion and commitment that they help create a memorable experience year after year.”
Thousands of team members were onsite to serve the sold-out match, preparing everything from standard footy fare such as hot chips and pies alongside high-end fine dining in the stadium’s premium spaces, paired with official club and Grand Final merchandise.
“Grand Final day at the MCG has a unique energy,” said Travis Dines, director of hospitality at the MCG. “Many of our people have worked this event for years and understand just how much it means to supporters. Seeing our team come together to welcome a full house and create an atmosphere worthy of the occasion is one of the most rewarding parts of the year.”
AFL Grand Final – by the numbers
Concessions
- Hot chips sold: 24,000
- Draft beers sold: 60,000
- Cans of beer sold: 100,000
- Canned spirits sold: 75,000
- Portions of chicken sold: 25,000
- Pies, pastries and sausage rolls sold: 18,000
Corporate/Premium
- Corporate dining guests served: 3,500
- Suite guests served: 2,200
- Oysters served: 450 dozen (5,400 total)
Restaurants
- Schooners of beer served: 7,000+(A schooner, slightly smaller than a pint, is a popular draft beer size in Australia.)
- Bottles of wine sold: 500+
- Meals sold: 3,000+
Kitchen
- Individual plates served: 9,000
- Spanner crab served: 150 kg (331 pounds)
- King prawns served: 250 kg (551 pounds)
- Octopus served: 230 kg (507 pounds)
- Hiramasa kingfish fillet served: 230 kg (507 pounds)
- Potatoes served: 500 kg (1,102 pounds)
- Bunches of asparagus served: 750
Merchandise
- Ponchos sold: 5,195
- Scarves sold: 3,295
- Transactions processed during the two hours following the game: 2,871
