New Balance Dockerty Cup Final Match Day Guide
The road to the 2026 New Balance Dockerty Cup Final comes to an end as Heidelberg United FC and Preston Lions FC battle for one of Australian football's oldest and most prestigious trophies at Lakeside Stadium.
The day will also feature the Cecil Earley Plate Final with Williamstown SC taking on Altona East Phoenix SC, making it a full afternoon and evening of Victorian football.
IMPORTANT: Tickets can ONLY be pre-purchased online. There will be NO ticket sales at the gate. We urge you to purchase your tickets early to avoid missing out.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
- Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Lakeside Stadium
- 33 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
- New Balance Dockerty Cup Final - Heidelberg United FC vs Preston Lions FC: 2:30PM
- Cecil Earley Plate Final - Williamstown SC vs Altona East Phoenix SC: 6:00PM
- Gates Open: 1:00PM.
Please arrive early. With extra security screening at the gates, there will be delays accessing the venue.
TICKETING
- General Admission Adults: $25
- General Admission Concession: $15
- General Admission Juniors (12 & Under): FREE
- A single ticket provides access to both the Cecil Earley Plate Final and the New Balance Dockerty Cup Final.
Online Tickets ONLY
Tickets for the 2026 Cup Final can ONLY be pre-purchased online.
There will be NO ticket sales at the gate. We urge you to purchase your tickets early to avoid missing out.
For enquiries, please reach out to info@footballvictoria.com.au
Grandstand Allocations
Heidelberg United fan ticket holders are to enter via Gate 2, next to the allocated South Grandstand side.
Preston Lions fan ticket holders are to enter via Gate 1, next to the allocated North Grandstand side.
Accessible Tickets
To book an accessible seat, purchase a General Admission ticket and email info@footballvictoria.com.au to receive a complimentary companion ticket.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From the opening whistle of the New Balance Dockerty Cup Final through to the presentation of the Cecil Earley Plate, fans can enjoy more than seven hours of Victorian football.
Food and beverage outlets will be operating throughout the day, with a range of refreshments available around the venue.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending, supporters are urged to arrive early to allow additional time for entry, with extensive security screening measures in place throughout the venue. Gates open from 1:00pm. All tickets for the New Balance Dockerty Cup Final must be purchased online prior to arrival, with no ticket sales available at the gate.
Security procedures will include:
- Bag searches
- Security wanding
- Additional security cameras and monitoring throughout the venue
Supporters are encouraged to get behind their team in a positive and respectful manner and are reminded that pyrotechnics, flares, smoke bombs and other prohibited items are strictly not permitted. Any prohibited items identified during entry will be confiscated by security and you may be refused entry.
The use of prohibited items, as well as offensive or unauthorised flags and banners, may result in individuals being refused entry and could place clubs at risk of further sanctions.
Face coverings are not permitted, and supporters wearing hoods will be asked to remove them upon entry for identification purposes.
Please be aware that the New Balance Dockerty Cup Final will operate as a smoke-free venue, with no pass-outs permitted throughout the event.
GETTING TO THE EVENT
Address & Parking
Lakeside Stadium
33 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
Parking at Lakeside Stadium is owned and operated by Parks Victoria and includes 10 accessible parking spaces. Please note that demand for parking in the precinct is generally very high and parking is likely to be limited. Please allow extra time if travelling by car.
Public Transport
Lakeside Stadium is easily accessible via tram.
Route 96 (East Brunswick – St Kilda Beach) – Stop 129
Route 12 (City – South Melbourne/St Kilda) – Stop 131
Both tram stops are located directly outside Lakeside Stadium.
BROADCAST
Can't make it to the game? The 2026 New Balance Dockerty Cup and the Cecil Earley Plate Final will be streamed LIVE and FREE on the Football Victoria YouTube Channel from 1:55PM.
FOOTBALL VICTORIA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up to date with the Football Victoria Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X accounts for all the latest news and updates on match day!
ANY QUESTIONS
For any general enquiries, please contact info@footballvictoria.com.au.