THE AFL is pleased to announce the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade will return to the traditional Toyota HiLux vehicles and a street parade, but with a brand-new twist.
A new starting position at Melbourne Park Oval (Grand Slam Oval), and the creation of a unique, 360-degree stage that becomes the centrepiece of the live site at Melbourne Park will get fans closer to the action than ever before.
The cube stage includes screens on each side, giving fans from all vantage-points the opportunity to witness their favourite players.
The parade will begin at 10.30am AEST, and will be broadcast exclusively on Fox Footy.
The first half of the parade's location and starting area will see the introduction of a second live site, making it more accessible for young families, the parade route will then follow the banks of the river down to Birrarung Marr, over the walk bridge and into the MCG Yarra Park Precinct, finishing at the AFL's free Footy Festival.
AFL EGM Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers said the parade is an iconic part of Grand Final week in Melbourne.
"The boats had some great elements, but ultimately, we wanted to bring the fans and players closer together and the new route, back in the iconic Toyota HiLux vehicles will deliver on this.
"Our goal is to deliver a better viewing and overall event experience for fans, families, and passers-by who are out and about enjoying the Grand Final public holiday."
"The extra live site at Melbourne Park Oval allows another 10,000 -15,000 fans greater access to take part in the parade."
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo said Toyota is excited to see the iconic Toyota HiLux vehicles in the parade.
"The Toyota 2023 AFL Grand Final Parade is an amazing opportunity for fans to experience the atmosphere of Finals Footy in the lead up to the big game."
"Australian drivers have an unbreakable connection with the Toyota HiLux, and it will be fantastic to see footy fans cheering on their AFL heroes in the HiLux vehicles as they head to the MCG."
The 2023 AFL Footy Festival will return to Yarra Park precinct these school holidays for four days of fun – running from Wednesday September 27 – Saturday September 30.
The Footy Festival Live Site is packed with FREE entertainment for the whole family, including player appearances, giveaways, music and some of Melbourne's best food trucks and bars.
Fans can also get up-close and personal with the 2023 AFL Premiership Cup making appearances at various partner activations across the four days.
The 2023 AFL Footy Festival will be open from 9:30am-5pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and open from 8am- 7pm on Saturday for the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
Fans can visit www.afl.com.au/footy-festival for the full list of activations.
Further details of the free AFL Footy Festival, including player appearances, giveaways, activities for adults and kids, food and beverage offerings and surrounding events will be released in Grand Final week.
