The ultimate day of football is fast approaching with the Western Bulldogs first double header scheduled for Saturday 5 April 2014.

It starts when the Footscray Bulldogs open their season on home turf at Victoria University Whitten Oval, taking on Richmond VFL in a curtain raiser at 10:30am.

The action continues at Etihad Stadium as the two respective senior teams battle it out for four points, with the first bounce at 1:45pm.

See our complete game day guide below:

Your morning starts with….Footscray Bulldogs vs Richmond VFL

Where:                Victoria University Whitten Oval, Footscray West

When:                  Gates Open:   9am.  Bounce:  10.30am   

Activities:          

  • Victoria University Walking Bus: take advantage of the free parking at Victoria University Footscray Campus and join other Bulldog fans with a march to Victoria University Whitten Oval.  The walk starts from the car park on Ballarat Road at 9.30am and will take just 15 mins to get to the Oval.  Look out for volunteers on the day to help.  
  • Woofer and Face painting:  Meet the Bulldogs mascot Woofer before the game and wear your Club colours proudly as you prepare for the big day of football ahead, with face painting available at the ground
  • Half time kick-to-kick: run out onto the ground at half time and have a kick at goal or take a run down the Doug Hawkins wing
  • Free Giveaways: look out for giveaways from our mascots as well as a special member only giveaway available from the Western Bulldogs shop. 
  • Merchandise and Membership:  visit the Western Bulldogs Club shop or, if you haven’t grabbed your membership, see a member of the team at membership outlet
  • Seating is available within the stands at Victoria University Whitten Oval and will be available on a first-come-first served basis.  If you’d like to sit behind the goals, or on a wing, feel free to bring a blanket or foldable camping chair

Take home a piece of Whitten Oval history:

The first 200 fans through the gates at the inaugural Footscray Bulldogs clash will also recieve a historic 1954 minted half-penny to celebrate footy being back at Victoria University Whitten Oval. These limited edition coins were minted in the Bulldogs Premiership year of 1954, adding a special significance.

Make sure you arrive at VU Whitten Oval early to collect your own piece of Bulldogs history.

Cost:                      Free for Western Bulldog members.  Non-members:  Gold coin donation

Transport:

  • Parking locally:  Parking is strictly limited at Victoria University Whitten Oval.  If you use the on-street parking in the surrounding streets, please see street signs for relevant restrictions
  • Parking at Victoria University:  Free parking is available at Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus, Ballarat Road (Cnr Princess Highway).  Walk the short distance with other Bulldog fans on the Walking Bus from 9.30am (see the Activities section above)
  • Trains:  West Footscray station is a short walk away from the kennel.  See metrotrains.com.au to plan your journey to Victoria University Whitten Oval
  • Trains to Etihad Stadium: there are a number of trains that will leave from West Footscray Station and get you to Southern Cross in time for the start of the AFL game:
    • 11.47 arriving at 12.09
    • 12.07 arriving at 12.29
    • 13.07 arriving at 13.27

Your footy fix continues with…Western Bulldogs vs Richmond 

Where:                Etihad Stadium, Dockland

When:                  Gates open:  12pm.  First bounce:  13.45

Activities:          

  • Visit the Bulldogs’ mascots Sid and Woofer at the Footscray End (gate seven)
  • Check out our indoor Fan Zone on Level  1, next to Aisle 13, for lots of family fun for the kids, as well as food and beverage outlets
  • Keep your eyes on the big screen for new stats, social media posts and Bulldogs quizzes

Ticketing & Membership:

  • Yet to buy tickets to the Western Bulldogs clash against Richmond on Saturday? Tickets for the game can be purchased through Ticketmaster online here, via phone (136 100), or at any Ticketmaster outlet, including Victoria University Whitten Oval.
  • Want to become a Western Bulldogs member and Gather the Pack in season 2014?  Call us on 1300 46 36 47 or jump online at membership.westernbulldogs.com.au. Three game memberships start from just $85.