GOLD Coast's first match at its brand-new Metricon Stadium was the highest rating Saturday night game so far this season, with 891,333 TV viewers nationally tuning in for the Suns' 66-point loss to Geelong.

The figure, released by the AFL on Monday, eclipsed the previous mark of 808,618 set during Gold Coast's debut match against Carlton in round two.

Suns skipper Gary Ablett's first showdown with his old club was also the highest rating game of the round.

Over 21,000 fans attended the $144 million boutique stadium's glitzy debut, with the AFL estimating 5000 fans travelled from interstate for the occasion.

The league's rookie team will play seven more home matches this season.

The round 18 clash with competition powerhouse Collingwood is expected to achieve a sell-out crowd of 25,000.