Your Complete Guide to Following the Canberra Raiders

The Canberra Raiders are one of the most beloved sporting institutions in the Australian Capital Territory. Founded in 1982 and joining the New South Wales Rugby League competition before becoming a foundation club of the NRL, the Raiders carry the identity of Canberra wherever they play. Draped in their distinctive green and gold, they give the capital a team to rally behind every winter.

Home games are played at GIO Stadium in Bruce, a venue that holds tens of thousands of supporters and sits conveniently close to the Belconnen town centre and the Australian Institute of Sport campus. The stadium is accessible by bus from the Civic interchange, and there is car parking nearby for those who prefer to drive. Arriving early gives you time to soak in the atmosphere as the crowd builds.

Tickets are purchased through the Raiders website or at the gate on match day. Membership packages are available each season and offer reserved seating, discounts at the club shop and priority access for finals fixtures. Memberships open well before the first home game, so signing up early is the best way to secure your preferred spot in the stands.

The NRL season runs from March through to the grand final in October. If you cannot make it to GIO Stadium in person, all Raiders games are broadcast live on free-to-air television and on subscription streaming services. Fox League carries every NRL game, while Channel 9 and Gem broadcast selected matches. The Raiders official website and app also provide live scoring, news and replays throughout the year.

Whether you are a lifelong green machine supporter or a newcomer curious about rugby league, following the Raiders is one of the great pleasures of a Canberra winter. Pull on a jersey, pack a beanie and join tens of thousands of Canberrans in backing the home side.

Sources: Canberra Raiders Official Site GIO Stadium

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