AFL Max will launch its newest venue in the heartland of Australian Rules Football next year, announcing its second custom-built facility will open at Melbourne Airport in May 2025.
Set to attract footy fans, families and school children, the state-of-the-art venue will feature an indoor footy field, trampolines, climb zones, interactive screens and skill-testing attractions, as well as a license café and full commercial kitchen.
Positioned next to URBNSURF and adjacent to the Essendon Football Club, AFL Max has been designed with five party rooms and will offer its popular birthday party packages – which have already hosted thousands of children and guests at its Adelaide venue.
Founded by AFL Premiership player James Podsiadly – and in collaboration with the AFL – AFL Max aims to be the premier destination for active, fun, learning experiences across Australia, while also connecting more people to the game.
Since opening the first AFL Max in South Australia in 2019, Podsiadly said securing an optimal location in Melbourne for the centre's expansion was key to building upon its success.
"It's been a long time coming and to see AFL Max launch in the home of footy, we couldn't be more excited about what's to come in 2025," said Podisadly, AFL Max CEO.
"We've spent the last five years refining our offerings and listening to customers in Adelaide, and our team couldn't be more ready for this opportunity.
"Footy has been a big part of my life. During my playing days, I realised just how powerful sport is as a vehicle for delivering active learning experiences to kids and adults. When bringing the AFL Max concept to life, my goal was to create a space where people could get active and have fun whilst doing it.
"From hosting overnight camps for schools and kids' birthday parties, to offering AFL skills programs, we're able to create memorable and active learning experiences for all. Together with the AFL, we're now on a journey to bring these experiences to more Australians."
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said the league also recognised the endless opportunities AFL Max presents for growing the game and increasing participation.
"AFL Max is another great way to connect communities with Australian Rules Football," Auld said.
"From teaching kids the fundamentals of footy to using the sport as a tool for life-long learning, we're looking forward to continuing our work with AFL Max to provide greater access to the game.
"There is a need for investment in facilities and infrastructure to cater for the game's growth and we are excited to work closely with James and his team to expand on the success in Adelaide. We see AFL Max as an innovative facility development that supports our vision to have footy in every home."
In addition to general admission sessions and birthday parties, AFL Max has become a renowned education destination in South Australia, hosting more than 25,000 students for overnight camps in the past three years. Set to replicate this success in Victoria, AFL Max Melbourne Airport will offer these curriculum-aligned overnight camps at the venue. With a focus on leadership, well-being, and mental health, AFL Max has partnered with experts to help deliver these important experiences to school students.
"It's been a real highlight to see the impact we are having on students across South Australia, and we can't wait to do the same in Victoria," Podsiadly said.
AFL Max is set to open in early May 2025.
To learn more and sign up for prelaunch bookings visit: https://aflmax.com.au/melbourne
