DOLPHINS SET FOR HISTORIC FIRST TERRITORY HOME GAME
Phins UP in the NT
The Dolphins will host the Penrith Panthers in Darwin for their first-ever game as the Territory’s NRL team on Friday, 17 April 2026, with kick-off at 7.30pm ACST. Tickets for this blockbuster NRL Round 7 clash at TIO Stadium, Marrara are on sale now.
From 2026, the Dolphins’ partnership with the Northern Territory will deliver significant community, participation, and tourism benefits through to at least 2028 marking a major milestone in the Territory’s long-term connection with elite rugby league.
Returning to the NT as the designated home team, the Dolphins are set to take on the six-time premiership-winning Panthers under the Friday night lights in what promises to be a high-energy, Territory-first sporting showcase.
This will be the Dolphins’ second appearance in Darwin, following their memorable 44–16 win over the Parramatta Eels in 2024, where a roaring crowd witnessed one of the standout performances of the season.
Delivered in partnership with Tourism and Events NT, the annual Darwin NRL fixture continues to prove its value well beyond the field. The 2025 NRL match generated $3.38 million in total expenditure stimulus, including $3.23 million in Darwin alone, and delivered 6,715 visitor nights across the NT, cementing its status as one of the region’s premier tourism drawcards.
With history on the horizon in 2026, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early and be part of the Dolphins’ inaugural home game in the Top End.
Tickets On Sale Now – Choose Your Game Day Experience
Whether you prefer General Admission, the Grandstand, or Corporate Hospitality, there is an option for every supporter.
This year’s event also features the new ‘Invite A Friend’ ticketing option—Grandstand purchasers can reserve up to eight adjacent seats for family and friends, who then have 48 hours to finalise their purchase.
Tickets start from $35, with families of four or more able to access a fantastic value rate of $20 per person, and children under four admitted free on the knee.
Game Details
🗓 Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 7:30pm ACST
📍 Venue: TIO Stadium, Marrara
🎫 Tickets: Visit ntdolphins.com.au to lock in your seats.
“Dolphins vs Panthers – Be Part of Territory Rugby League History”
Grab your mates, wear your red and white, and get ready to witness the Territory’s NRL team take on one of the league’s modern powerhouses in a Friday night clash not to be missed.
👉 Secure your tickets now: https://ntdolphins.com.au/
#DolphinsNRL #NTDolphins #PhinsUPNT
