NFL Kickoff Festival Accessibility Guide
The NFL Kickoff Festival will provide accessibility across Melbourne Park and to the various attractions and activations throughout.
Depending on your accessibility requirements, various additions have been made to the existing accessible facilities in the form of temporary overlay e.g. there will be an accessible viewing platform at the main stage and Auslan interpreters for some sessions.
This document has been prepared to provide additional information relating to accessibility and inclusion at the Festival.
By clicking below, you can navigate directly to items included within each category:
1. Planning Your Visit
1.1 Maps
A Fan Map is available highlighting key points, including accessible toilets, first aid, fan services locations, accessible viewing platform and recommended accessible routes.
Printed copies of the Accessible Fan Map are available at the fan services locations at Centrepiece and outside the Wilson Flag Football Field.
1.2 Accessible Tickets & Companion Cards
Accessible tickets will be available to purchase via Ticketmaster. You can purchase accessible tickets directly online or by calling the Accessible Booking Line on +61 1300 446 925, available Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm AEST.
Companion Card holders are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket when accompanying a person with a disability who has purchased a ticket.
1.3 What to Bring
NFL Clear Bag Policy
Consistent with all NFL events, the NFL strongly encourages patrons not to bring any type of bag to the event; however, if necessary, bags outlined in the NFL Clear Bag Policy are permissible:
A clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag not exceeding 30.5cm x 15.25cm x 30.5cm — this includes clear tote bags, clear backpacks, clear cinch / drawstring bags and clear bum bags within these dimensions; OR
A clear plastic resealable freezer/storage bag of up to approximately 4 litres (e.g. a snap-lock or Ziploc-style bag).
Plus one small bag. In addition to one clear bag, patrons may carry one small non-clear bag or clutch not exceeding approximately 11.5cm x 16.5cm, with or without a handle or strap.
Bags must not have buckles, grommets, hardware or décor concealing any part of the bag.
Families & Medical Exceptions
Family-friendly: each family member, including children, may carry their own approved clear bag together with a small clutch. Diapers/nappies and baby items may be carried in a clear bag. Prams and strollers are permitted, subject to security screening.
Medical: bags containing medically necessary items, equipment or supplies (including breast pumps and expressed milk) are not subject to the clear bag requirement, but will be inspected and screened at entry.
Medical Items & Equipment
If you need to bring in prescription medication to the Kickoff Festival, you’ll need to make sure it’s in its original packaging with the pharmacy label matching the name on the ID of the ticket holder.
Over-the counter medicine for personal use, such as Panadol or Nurofen is permitted.
Medication will be inspected and screened at entry.
If your medication needs to be refrigerated, please see the First Aid team once you have entered the festival and they can store it for you. First Aid locations are available on the event site maps in the NFL OnePass app.
Please note: The Kickoff Festival is not an allergen-controlled environment. Patrons remain responsible for managing their own medical needs while attending the festival.
Medical Waste Disposal
For the safety of event staff and volunteers, patrons should dispose of medical waste and syringes only in the proper disposal containers located at First Aid locations. Do not dispose of these items in regular trash bins. First Aid locations are available on the event site maps in the NFL OnePass app.
1.4 Accessibility Requirements
The 2026 Kickoff Festival is accessible for patrons using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches or walkers. Key considerations include:
- the Festival spans across Melbourne Park with considerable distances between activities and attractions;
- it is an indoor and outdoor venue, situated both on paved surfaces and grassed areas (the Oval).
Should your powered mobility device require charging, this may be done at First Aid and Fan Services points. It's important that patrons bring all cords and accessories needed to charge their devices.
1.5 Site conditions
The festival takes place across a large site and includes a range of surfaces, including concrete, paved areas and grass. Some areas may have uneven surfaces, slopes or changes in ground conditions. Patrons using mobility aids should consider these conditions when planning their visit and allow additional time to move between locations.
1.6 Assistance Animals
Assistance and support animals, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical alert dogs, are welcome at the festival. Patrons may need to provide evidence that their dog meets the definition of an assistance dog under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
1.7 Hidden Disabilities
Kickoff Festival supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program as part of the commitment to supporting staff and patrons living with non-visible disabilities.
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower allows staff and patrons to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent, and that they may require accessibility adjustments or assistance.
Staff or patrons may choose to wear a sunflower badge, lanyard or wristband to participate. For more information on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programs, click here.
2. Venue Access
2.1 Venue Entry
Melbourne Park is equipped with ramps and lifts, and a wheelchair accessible lane is available at each entry.
2.2 Drop Off & Pick Up
Patrons with accessibility requirements attending the Kickoff Festival at Melbourne Park may be dropped off or picked up at the Northern Car Park (Entrance A, Batman Avenue).
All visitors have 20 minutes to drop off or pick up patrons. Please note, exceeding this time may result in parking charges.
Patrons may also be dropped off or picked up in the accessible parking bays located in front of John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard.
2.3 Accessible Parking
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in the Eastern Plaza Carpark and must be purchased in advance.
As with all accessible parking a valid permit must be displayed on the vehicle.
Please note, there are a limited number of accessible parking bays located in front of John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard.
2.4 Public Transportation
Trains to Richmond Station: Richmond Station does not have lifts, platforms are connected via steep ramps where assisted access may be required. Detailed station access and facility information can be found here. The Kickoff Festival is 950 metres from Richmond Station with clear access via Olympic Boulevard.
Trains to Flinders Street Station: Flinders Street Station has lifts and accessible boarding points on some platforms. Detailed station access and facility information can be found here. The Kickoff Festival is 1.4km away from Flinders Street Station via Birrarung Marr Walk and Tanderrum Bridge.
3. Venue Facilities
3.1 Accessible Viewing
An accessible viewing platform will be located in front of the Main Stage for patrons with accessibility requirements and their companions.
Capacity on the platform is limited. If the platform reaches capacity, priority will be given to people who use wheelchairs or mobility aids, or who require the platform to safely access and view the performance.
The accessible viewing platform is not a quiet or low-sensory space. It may be busy, loud and visually intense.
If you need a quieter place to take a break, a Sensory Room is available at Rod Laver Arena.
At the NFL Flag Field Presented by Wilson accessible bays with companion seating are available around the arena. Upon entry, an usher will direct you to the nearest accessible bay.
3.2 Food and Beverage
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the Kickoff Festival unless a patron has a special medical dietary restriction (see Section 1.3 for medical item guidance). The Kickoff Festival will feature food vendors that provide special dietary options. Please visit a Fan Services point or the NFL OnePass app for a full list of vendors.
3.3 Parents Room
Parents rooms are dedicated spaces designed to cater to the specific needs of parents and caregivers with infants or young children.
A parents room is located inside Centrepiece, near NFL Museum, and baby change tables are located in all accessible toilets.
3.4 Toilets
Rod Laver Arena (RLA):
Accessible toilets are available inside Gate 4, and other locations within RLA. Male and female toilets also contain ambulant accessible toilets.
NFL Flag Field Presented by Wilson:
Accessible toilets and male, female, and gender neutral, toilets also containing ambulant accessible toilets are provided around the perimeter of the Arena.
Centrepiece:
Accessible toilets are available inside Centrepiece, near NFL Museum.
3.5 Changing Places
A Changing Places facility is located inside Centrepiece, for people with high support or carer needs.
Access to this facility requires a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK). If you do not have your own, one can be obtained from the Fan Services point inside Centrepiece.
3.6 Sensory Considerations
A sensory room is available in Rod Laver Arena. KultureCity sensory bags are available at Fan Services locations at no additional cost and are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards.
Note, the Main Stage area (Oval) will feature high noise levels and intense lighting and effects. Large crowds will be present throughout the festival at peak times, such as during main stage performances.
4. Services
Use the NFL OnePass app map to find the locations of all items referenced in this guide.
4.1 Fan Services
Fan Services are located inside Centrepiece and at the NFL Flag Field Presented by Wilson. Fan Services staff can assist with questions, directions for accessible facilities, services and more.
4.2 Hearing and Communication Access
Closed Captioning (CC): Caption-enabled video screens will be available at the Main Stage. Viewing screens throughout the site will have closed captioning during the festival each day.
Sign Language: Auslan interpreters will be available on Thursday 10 September from 5pm – 6.30pm at the Main Stage for NFL Live featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and an exclusive interview with Jonas Brothers.
5. Contact Information
For accessibility questions prior to Kickoff Festival, or for assistance during the event, please contact:
Email: accessibility.aunz@livenation.com.au
During event days, please speak to event staff at the entry or Fan Services for dedicated support.
For general Kickoff Festival queries, email Experience.Support@NFL.com