The Plus500 Brumbies are set to unveil a game day experience like never before in the 2020 Super Rugby season at GIO Stadium.
In what will be the biggest investment in the fan experience in the history of the organisation, the Brumbies will introduce a range of innovations aimed at improving the atmosphere at our home games this season.
The 2020 Super Rugby season also sees more family friendly kick-off times, with no match starting later than 7:15pm, with gates to open at least two hours earlier, and three and a half hours in some instances.
After seeking the feedback of our members and supporters, the Brumbies have not only made adjustments to the game day experience but also our membership packages, resulting in a 20% increase in Platinum Memberships sold so far this season.
One piece of feedback indicated supporters would like somewhere to gather before and after the match, with the organisation introducing, 'The Slab', which will be open at the same time as the gates and stay open until well after the game finishes, where supporters can enjoy aa drink together.
For the families, there will be the 'Kids Zone' at the southern end of the field in a precinct area, which will have multiple jumping castles, a mini rugby field, lineout simulators, face painting and more.
On top of this, the 'Synergy Family Room', located at the northern end of the Mal Meninga Stand, will be a space in where young kids (designed for ages five and below) are welcome to play in a contained area while parents can continue to have one eye on the Rugby.
Supporters will also now be able to get closer than ever to their favourite Brumbies, with the introduction of the 'Blue Carpet' as the players enter the grounds of the stadium and 15 lucky junior members will get to go to 'Autograph Alley', a unique experience pre-match inside the stadium tunnel.
2020 will also see the return of two all-time favourite Brumbies, with Ben Alexander and Josh Mann-Rea to take the reins as the on-field hosts of game day.
'Benny and Bongo' will also be joined in the 'Front Row' by Brumbies super fan and former Wests Rugby player, Maria Stavreas, as the three faces of Brumbies home games this year.
We are also pleased to make three more very significant announcements around our 2020 matches at GIO Stadium.
In a first for sporting codes in Canberra, and with the support of the John James Foundation and Marymead, the Plus500 Brumbies will have a 'Sensory Suite' at home matches, which will make the game accessible for all of our supporters.
The suite is designed to be a quiet place where supporters and families, of those with autism spectrum disorder or social disabilities, can still enjoy the game day experience with a full view of the field.
Fans will also be introduced to a new member of the Brumbies family, with Brumby Jill set to arrive in Canberra this season.
Brumby Jill is the daughter of long-time fan favourite, Brumby Jack and she, like so many families, can't wait to attend the first home game on January 31 at GIO Stadium.
Lastly, as part of the #WeAreOne initiative, Emergency Services and Rural Fire Service volunteers will get free entry to our first home game against the Reds next Friday night.
All Canberra sporting codes will be represented on field to show appreciation to those on the front lines.
This is the start of the Brumbies commitment to assisting those in need throughout 2020.
Plus500 Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said: "As an organisation we are really proud to be offering a brand new game day experience to our supporters in 2020."
"We have taken on feedback from our members and those in the community and made changes to provide an atmosphere that is inclusive as well as entertaining for all that attend.
"We understand that the live sporting landscape is always evolving and in an experience driven economy it is vital we provide a fan experience that includes more than just what's happening on the field."
Supporters will get their first chance to experience everything the new game day experience has to offer at the Plus500 Brumbies first home game against the Queensland Reds on Friday January 31 at GIO Stadium. Tickets available here.
