YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE AIHL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

Precinct Map

GETTING TO THE DISTRICT

FUN STARTS AT THE DISTRICT

GIVE AWAY!

We’ve teamed up with Australian custom sneaker artist Chase Shiel to build one exclusive pair of AIHL Air Force 1s: hand-painted in league silver, white and gold, with the AIHL mark on the heel and a brick detail lifted straight off the Goodall Cup.

The prize

One pair of one-of-a-kind custom AIHL sneakers by Chase Shiel, valued at $1,000.

They’re made to order, so the winner gives us their size and Chase builds them from there — allow up to two months from that point. Collected in person from The District Docklands.

How to enter

Three steps, all required:

Sign up to The District Docklands mailing list
Follow @thedistrictdocklands on Instagram
Follow @theaihl on Instagram

Terms and conditions

Open to Australian residents aged 18+. The prize must be collected in person by the winner from The District Docklands — it is not posted or delivered. Sneakers are made to order and cannot be remade or resized if an incorrect size is provided. [Read the full terms and conditions]

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram, Meta Platforms, Inc. or Nike.

AIHL FAN ZONE

Turn up the volume this weekend because we’re transforming the plaza under the Melbourne Star into the ultimate Fan Zone, with a DJ spinning all the hits to get the adrenaline flowing before you head to O’Brien Icehouse.

Rep your colours with free face painting

Pick a side and wear it. Our face painters are set up in the Fan Zone across finals weekend, turning up in team colours, war paint and whatever else it takes to look the part before the puck drops.

Free, no booking, all ages. Just turn up.

Saturday 29 August — 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Sunday 30 August — 11:30am to 1:30pm

Sunday’s session runs right up to the Goodall Cup Grand Final, so get painted, then head for the big screen at Hoyts or find a spot in the Fan Zone.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Ice hockey finals weekend call for great food, good company, and the right place to start the night. The District has everything you need before heading over to O’Brien Icehouse from wings and whiskey to Korean barbecue and Japanese street flavours.

If you’re coming for the Friday night games, make Urban Alley Brewery your first stop. From 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, they’re serving $1 wings and $5 Fireball shots — the perfect combination to kick off your ice hockey finals weekend. Set under the Melbourne Star, Urban Alley offers award-winning craft beers brewed onsite, hearty pub classics, and a lively atmosphere that sets the tone for the night ahead.

For something a little different, Seoul Garden brings authentic Korean barbecue to Docklands with interactive dining and signature marinades perfect for sharing. Dohtonbori offers a taste of Japan with its famous okonomiyaki cooked right at your table, creating a fun and social pre-game meal.

If seafood is more your style, Krabby’s Crab Boil delivers bold Cajun flavours and fresh seafood feasts ideal for a group dinner before the games.

PRECINCT FOOD MAP - Click or hold to enlarge.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE SHOW

Make the most of your afternoon at The District Docklands before heading to O’Brien Icehouse. From immersive experiences to retro fun, there’s plenty to keep the energy high and the excitement building before the puck drops.

Archie Brothers and Strike will offer 2 for 1 Bowling and $5 game card credits when customers show their tickets at reception.

They will also offer $7 house spirits/wines/beers.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is a dose of nostalgia and friendly competition. Challenge your mates to air hockey, arcade classics, or bowling, and keep the drinks and laughs flowing while you play.

Prison Island puts your teamwork and quick thinking to the test in a series of real-life escape-style challenges. You’ll need to break through a few rooms of your own to make it out on top.

Dreamskape is Melbourne’s only multimedia sensory experience. Explore immersive worlds through light, sound, and motion in a futuristic, interactive playground.

Pull on your colours, grab a last-minute jersey, or simply wander through the open-air laneways at The District’s line-up of team stores and big brands — including new arrivals Rinkside, the Melbourne Mustangs x Globe collaboration opening Thursday 27 August, and the Melbourne Ice store, alongside Uniqlo, H&M, Hype DC and a mix of local favourites. Or simply wander the laneways and soak in the unique atmosphere of The District.

STAYING A LITTLE LONGER?

NESUTO & MARRIOTT MELBOURNE HOTEL DOCKLANDS

For comfort, convenience and a true local experience, Nesuto Docklands is the ideal place to stay. Located in the heart of The District Docklands, it offers modern serviced apartments with spacious living areas, full kitchens and private balconies.

Perfect for making yourself at home between shows. Guests can enjoy on-site parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and easy access to restaurants, bars and retail all within the precinct. From your room, it’s only a short tram ride or an easy -minute walk to O’Brien Icehouse.

The Marriott Melbourne Hotel Docklands combines five-star luxury with striking architecture and panoramic city views. Relax at the infinity pool overlooking the skyline, enjoy cocktails at the Sunset House rooftop bar, or dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant before strolling to the games.

With modern rooms, premium amenities and a location that’s both peaceful and connected, it’s a seamless base for your concert getaway.

FAQs

Is The District Docklands cashless?

Most venues at The District Docklands accept cash. Check with venue before arrival. Parking does not accept cash. O’Brien Icehouse does not accept cash.

Do I need a ticket to be part of the AIHL Finals Festival?

Only for the games themselves inside O’Brien Icehouse. Everything happening across The District over the weekend — the fan zone, street hockey, giveaways, team stores and precinct offers — is free and open to everyone.

Where do I buy AIHL Finals tickets?

No — all five games at O’Brien Icehouse are sold out, across the whole weekend. If more seats are released we’ll update this page, but don’t count on it. The watch party at Hoyts The District is the way to see the Grand Final with a crowd.

Where can I park at O'Brien Icehouse?

We recommend the East Car Park — it’s the easiest to get in and out of The District, especially when everyone leaves at once after the Grand Final. If you have accessibility needs or you’re travelling with elderly family, use the West Car Park instead: it’s closer to O’Brien Icehouse and a shorter walk to the rink. Docklands also sits inside the Free Tram Zone — trams 70 and 86 stop right outside, and Southern Cross Station is a short walk away.

How cold is it inside the rink — what should I wear?

Rink-side seating sits at around 10–15°C, so it’s colder than a normal indoor venue. Bring a jumper or jacket, and something for your hands if you’re staying for a double-header. Plenty of fans go the full jersey-and-scarf route.

What is the Goodall Cup?

It’s the trophy awarded to the AIHL champion, and one of the oldest in world ice hockey — donated by Australian player John Edwin Goodall and first presented in 1911. The original is now retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto; a 2009 replica is the one teams lift today.

Which team has won the most AIHL championships?

The Newcastle Northstars, with six titles — the most of any club since the league formed in 2000.

How long does an ice hockey game go for?

Three 20-minute periods of play, with two intermissions. Allow around two to two and a half hours from puck drop, and longer if a finals game goes to overtime.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVE TRAVEL

Accessibility is at the heart of the Docklands experience — from the moment you arrive at Southern Cross Station, to exploring The District, to taking your seat at O’Brien Icehouse.

Getting here

If you’re arriving by train, Southern Cross Station offers step-free access across all platforms and concourses. For visitors who need extra assistance, Travellers Aid provides friendly, professional support to help you travel with comfort and confidence. Located within Southern Cross Station, Travellers Aid is a registered charity and social enterprise that has been helping Victorians navigate public transport for over a century. Their team of staff and volunteers can assist with mobility needs, escort services, rest areas, and general travel guidance — ensuring everyone can access Melbourne’s events and attractions with ease.

Travellers Aid is about inclusion, access and independence. Their goal is to empower people facing travel-related challenges to connect and participate fully in community life. To learn more or arrange assistance in advance, visit the Travellers Aid hub inside Southern Cross Station or head to their website at travellersaid.org.au. Booking ahead is worth it for a finals weekend — it’s one of the busiest weekends of the year in Docklands.

At The District Docklands

The District Docklands is fully accessible, featuring step-free routes, accessible parking spaces, elevators to all levels, and accessible facilities throughout the precinct. Wide pathways and open-air laneways make it easy to move between shops, restaurants and attractions. Most venues, including Urban Alley Brewery, Imaginator and Archie Brothers, offer accessible entry.

Parking for the finals: accessible parking is available in both the East and West Car Parks, with clear signage and direct lift access to the main precinct. For this weekend we recommend the West Car Park if you have accessibility needs or are travelling with elderly family — it’s the closest to O’Brien Icehouse and the shortest walk to the rink. The East Car Park is the easier one for getting in and out of the precinct quickly, which suits most other visitors.

The fan zone, team stores and precinct offers are all at ground level on step-free routes, so the free side of the festival is open to everyone regardless of whether you have a game ticket.

At O’Brien Icehouse

O’Brien Icehouse is DDA compliant, with lift access to the rink level and accessible bathroom facilities, including a hoist and change table. Accessible seating is available at the Henke Rink, where the finals are played.

For assistance or to discuss your needs before the weekend, contact O’Brien Icehouse on 1300 75 66 99 or enquiries@obrienicehouse.com.au.

A note on the environment: rink-side seating sits at around 10–15°C and finals crowds are loud, with sirens, horns and music between plays. If you or someone in your group is sensitive to noise or cold, bring ear defenders and warm layers.

At the Hoyts watch party

With the games sold out, the watch party at Hoyts The District is the accessible alternative for the Grand Final. Hoyts offers wheelchair-accessible seating and companion card entry, and it’s a step-free route from both car parks.

Whether you’re travelling from interstate, visiting for the day, or enjoying a stay in Docklands, Melbourne’s integrated accessibility network ensures a smooth journey from start to finish.

AIHL Championship Weekend

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE AIHL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

🟣 WATCH THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AT THE OFFICIAL HOYTS WATCH PARTY

🩷 SHOP RINKSIDE - OFFICIAL MERCH STORE

🟡 FAN ZONE - DJ SET

🔵 PLAY IN OUR STREET HOCKEY ACTIVATION

🟡 REP YOUR COLOURS WITH FREE FACE PAINTING