Melbourne’s summer sport schedule

Melbourne Stars Big Bash League

Alice Piper

Posted January 05, 2022


From the Australian Open to the A-League, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Melbourne’s action-packed sporting summer.

If there’s one thing Melburnian’s take pride in, it’s our sporting culture. As the annual host of the Boxing Day test, AFL, Formula One, Australian Open and major horse racing events, there is a reason Melbourne has been repeatedly named the sporting capital of the world.

As another summer of world-class sport gets underway in Melbourne, we look at the sporting schedule not to be missed. 

If you are heading to any of the matches below, don’t forget to plan your journey to the venue with the help of arevo. Summer road closures, traffic conditions and Public Transport changes can all impact your arrival time, so allow for extra time when travelling.  


Melbourne’s summer of sport 

Big Bash League (BBL) 

Get ready for a summer of big shots, gutsy strikes and massive runs scored as the Big Bash League is back for its 11th season, and it’s set to be a big one. 

The season kicked off on December 5 and goes right through to January 19.  

While each of the games are guaranteed to be packed full of fast-paced action, Melburnians will want to keep an eye out for the Melbourne derby where the Renegades will clash with the Stars on January 13 at the MCG. 

If you’re taking public transport to the matches, check arevo for any real time delays or cancelled services so you’re not waiting on train platforms or miss any connections.  

Australian Open  

Another summer of tennis kicks off in January with the 110th Australian Open being played at Melbourne Park from January 17-30.  

We’ll see some big international names including Naomi Osaka and Alison Riske, as well as our homegrown hero, Ash Barty.  

If you miss out on a ticket, you can still watch the matches outside Hisense Arena on the lawn, or at Federation Square on the big screen. 

AFLW 

With a massive surge in support for the women's format in recent years, as well as the burgeoning talent being developed, the skill level on display in the women’s league will impress any die-hard footy fan.  

The 2022 AFLW season begins on January 7, with the Grand Final to be played in March. 

Catch stellar talent Darcy Vescio in the Carlton V Collingwood match at Ikon Park, and see Daisy Pearce line up against Tayla Harris for the Melbourne Demons V Western Bulldogs clash at Whitten Oval on January 8.  

 

AFLW player Darcy Vescio

AFLW powerhouse Darcy Vescio. Image: Getty

NBL

With ESPN and Kayo sports streaming all NBL games live, you can easily see the action on the small screen, but there’s nothing quite like watching hoops in person. 

Head to the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna on January 10 to see South East Melbourne Phoenix take on the Tasmania JackJumpers, a new entrant into the league.

arevo can show you real time traffic out to the stadium in Wantirna South, as well as the best places to park your car.  

A-League 

A-League fans have not been disappointed with the season so far, and with more matches being played all through January, soccer lovers are in for a treat. 

AAMI Park is hosting some cracking games, with our local boys Melbourne Victory FC expected to dominate Adelaide FC at 7.45pm on January 5, so head down to AAMI Park via train or tram and cheer on our local talent. 

 

Melbourne Victory FC player Ivan Kelava

Melbourne Victory FC goal keeper, Ivan Kelava. Image: Getty

Country Horse Racing  

Country racing is part of the heart and soul of Victoria, and with a horse race happening every day of the week somewhere in the state, there's always a chance to cheer on a horse to the finish line.  

With races in Warrnambool, Yarra Valley, Geelong and Sale throughout January, Sundays are great days to feel the thunder of hooves under your feet.  

With all these race meets at least an hour out of Melbourne, check arevo for any road closures or road works causing delays. The app can also help you find the cheapest petrol prices, as well as the best place to park your car.  

FIFA World Cup 2022 – Socceroos V Vietnam  

The Socceroos are coming back to Melbourne for the first time in four years for the FIFA World Cup AFC Asian Qualifiers, where they will take on Vietnam at AAMI Park on January 27.  

With Australia currently sitting third in their Group ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year, a win  will be critical for Australia to secure a place in the top two to qualify for the World Cup, so get down there and help cheer them to victory. 

The smarter way to get around Melbourne. Download arevo free from the App Store or Google Play