Aussie sports fans all over the country are buzzing as we get closer to the NRL grand final game, preparing for this year’s seasonal wrap-up by dusting off the jerseys and team flags for what will be the loudest and most intense match of 2025. Sunday, October 5 is the date for it, and here are all the details so that you can plan exactly where you’ll be, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll be eating and drinking before and after kick-off.
- Jump To Kick-Off, Entertainment & Broadcast
- Jump To Best Pubs To Watch By Suburb
- Jump To Fan Zones, Booking Tips & Late-Kitchen Spots
Kick-Off, Entertainment & Broadcast
Think Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park full with over 80,000 fans in colourful merch, passionate team chants and roaring cheers–this has been the setting of the NRL grand final over the last several years, and will be again this year. Kick-off is scheduled for 7.30pm, but don’t miss the fun that starts an hour before at 6.30pm (to properly get you into that sporty spirit).
Like every year, the grand final game boasts top-notch entertainment both pre-game and during the half-time break, with this year’s headliner announced to be the Grammy-nominated American sensation Teddy Swims. With over four billion streams on his music and with his song, Lose Control, making record-breaking history as the first song to reach 100 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 list, this year’s pre-game entertainment is sure to bring chills and unmatched vigour to the stadium. Combine this with the tightly-rehearsed and professionally wonderful performances from the teams’ cheerleaders and other meticulously-curated acts, and you’ve got yourself an evening of non-stop thrill.
Consistently one of the most-watched events in the Aussie world, both the NRL and NRLW grand finals (playing on the same day for back-to-back athletic prowess) will be broadcast live on Channel 9, Fox League, Kayo Sports, 9NOW, Sky NZ and Watch NRL, so make sure to tune in.
If you want to be another face amongst the bustling and enthusiastic energy of the in-stadium crowd, tickets are still available online here, so grab them quickly, starting at $74 for concessions and juniors and $79 for adults.
The Best Big-Screen Pubs By Suburb
CBD
York 75
2/75 York St, Sydney
Image credit: York 75 | Facebook
With a classic vintage sports look, York 75 is located upstairs at Hotel CBD and holds over 20 screens to watch the biggest NRL game of the year live. Grab a beer and some wings and get comfy for the pre-game entertainment before the big show (and maybe even make use of the in-house sports betting, if that’s you’re style).
Insider Intel
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York 75 has a few private, leather booths (seating up to eight) with personal LED screens to watch the game up close–immerse in that energetic atmosphere while still keeping a little of that private exclusivity. Book one in advance for the NRL final.
Cheers Bar
561 George St, Sydney
Open 24 hours all day every day, Cheers Bar has the space to pack in hundreds of our hardcore NRL fans, and that’s exactly what they’re planning to do. Opening all three of their floors for the big footy day, head into Cheers for a full dinner menu featuring sauced-up lamb souvlaki, assortments of stuffed tacos, juicy meats and the classic option of a crowd-pleasing cheeseburger. The ideal spot to eat a hearty meal while revving up for the game’s chaos.
Eastern Suburbs
Winghaus
212 Bent St, Moore Park; Shop 1, Scotch Row, Hickson Road, Barangaroo South; Gateway Centre, 1 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay
Image credit: Winghaus | Website
Taking up some major space in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter, Winghaus is a renowned spot for NRL fanatics and groups. Also located in the CBD’s Barangaroo and Circular Quay, Winghaus boasts some pretty huge screens (to help get right up into that tackling action) and is true to its name by serving classic, boneless, fried and even cauliflower wings starting at 10 pieces per serve.
Insider Intel
- The Winghaus menu also holds some treasure treats, like their fried mars-bar dessert (don’t knock it ‘til you try it, you’ll be surprised) and sides of onion rings, deep-fried pickles, and the classic pretzel option.
Coogee Pavilion
Ground Floor, 169 Dolphin St, Coogee
Right next to one of Sydney’s most beloved beaches, Coogee Pavilion is setting up a big screen for this huge sports moment–all while keeping windows open to help fans cool down with that sea breeze. With an extensive restaurant menu along with more casual nibbles and kids' meals, this spot gets incredibly busy on the average night, so we’re expecting a massive turnout for the NRL final. Enjoy the warmer season and make it a whole-day event by beaching while the sun is up and cheering for your chosen team into the evening.
Insider Intel
- Coogee Pavilion has a late-night menu, perfect for that after-game feast or for snacking during the game too.
- With a section dedicated to play and activity with ping-pong tables and toys, this spot is also great for NRL families with little ones who need extra entertainment.
Inner West
Marrickville Tavern
296 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
Image credit: Marrickville Tavern | Website
Marrickville Tavern is a well-known and locally beloved spot in our inner west, specifically for its live sport scene, so you can expect a busy NRL final day at this pub. Indulge in the full Aussie experience by picking from their menu of hot and meaty pies or sausage rolls, lathering up on sauces and digging into the meal and game at once. With their pie and pint menu combo for $16, this tavern has your food and drink covered so that you can focus on the game.
Insider Intel
- Marrickville Tavern is offering customers a chance to win an NRL grand final experience valued at over $400, so long as you enter before Sunday 28 September. Try scoring your spot, with more details online here.
Northern Beaches
The Newport
2 Kalinya St, Newport
Image credit: Merivale | Website
Another seaside view spot, The Newport is welcoming in waves of fans for the NRL grand final event, with sunset views included as a bonus. With an extensive drink list and pizzas available until late, you can celebrate before, during and even after the game to keep the buzz of good sport running high.
Insider Intel
- The Newport has complimentary parking for customers while available, so get in early and factor in some traffic time if you’re planning to drive on the big day.
Other Sydney Spots
The Locker Room
15 Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park
Image credit: The Locker Room | Supplied
Right outside of the stadium where it’s all going down, The Locker Room is hosting a huge NRL grand final party, with festivities spilling out of the venue and taking up Cathy Freeman Park. There’ll be a huge festival stage, plenty of food trucks for a decent mid-game feed, live post-game entertainment (if the NRL entertainment wasn’t enough), and some good classic pub drinks.
Think Q&As hosted by iconic James Graham, ice-cold VB from pop-up trucks, and intense beats from Aussie music headliners Bag Raiders and Mell Hall. This is the spot to be for intense fan spirit with the thrill of knowing the real action is happening just next door–and entry is free.
Bankstown Sports Club
8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown
Image credit: Bankstown Sports Club | Website
Bankstown Sports Club is one of the biggest spots for some intensive live sport fun, especially for those Sydneysiders who live that extra distance away from the CBD and are wanting to stick closer to home. With several restaurants, bars and bistros in the venue, you can be picky with your cuisine and tastes before the game, then join a bustling crowd for the mass-streamed national game.
Fan Zones, Booking Tips & Late-Kitchen Spots
Image credit: NRL | Website
For hardcore fans who are wanting to soak in as much pre-game energy as physically and mentally possible, the NRL Fan Fest returns this year to bring a two-day festival on the Thursday 2 October and Friday 3 October that offers activities like a tackle course, prizes like homemade sorbet, and even some opportunities to meet-and-greet rugby players and mascots throughout the days.
When it comes to the big day itself, you’ll find your fan zones at all the aforementioned pubs, especially at the grand final festival held by The Locker Room (right next to Accor Stadium), and at the footy-fan favourite pub Winghaus.
When booking your spot at any of these big-screen, live sports pubs, make sure to clarify and ask for screen sightlines to ensure you get those ideal views. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on when the kitchen closes, as most spots will stop serving meals mid-game and you’ll need a full stomach in order to chant at your loudest. If you’re planning to bring some junior fans and family youngsters in miniature jerseys, then make sure to also check the TAB areas for the under-18s policies.
As one of the biggest events of the Aussie year, you’ll also need to prepare for queues and crowds when it comes to post-game public transport and driving on our main city-bound roads–additional train and bus services will be added to accommodate the swarm of invested fans heading home.
Sometimes, the post-game energy is too high and a decent feed is needed, even at a late hour. While a lot of the pubs we’ve mentioned might have some food or snacks running until late in the evening, you can also grab a more hearty meal at one of our recommended late-night Sydney food spots too–just make sure their Sunday hours suit your after-party plans, to end game day on the right note, no matter where your favoured team ends up standing on that podium.
Main image credit: Accor Stadium | Website