RSEA Park: A Comprehensive Guide to the Stadium, Its Events, and Visitor Information
RSEA Park, located in Frankston, Victoria, is a prominent stadium that serves as a home ground for the Frankston Football Club, also known as the Frankston Dolphins. This multi-purpose venue is not only used for Australian Rules Football (AFL) games but also hosts a wide range of events, concerts, and community gatherings. Since its development, RSEA Park has become a hub for sports, fitness, and entertainment in the Frankston area. This comprehensive guide provides deep insights into RSEA Park’s location, direction, events, ticketing system, parking facilities, safety measures, and other essential aspects that ensure a smooth experience for all visitors.
1. RSEA Park: General Overview
RSEA Park is a modern sports facility located in the heart of Frankston, about 40 kilometers southeast of Melbourne. The venue is primarily known for being the home ground of the Frankston Dolphins in the Victorian Football League (VFL), but its capabilities extend far beyond Australian Rules Football. The stadium has evolved into a community-centric venue, accommodating a wide range of sports and events, including cricket, concerts, and corporate events.
Since its redevelopment in the late 2000s, RSEA Park has become a focal point for the local community, offering state-of-the-art facilities, ample spectator seating, and comprehensive amenities for athletes and visitors. The park is also named after its main sponsor, RSEA Safety, a company specializing in workplace safety equipment.
2. Location and Directions to RSEA Park
RSEA Park is conveniently located at Cranbourne Road, Frankston, and is easily accessible from both the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs. The venue is situated near key road networks, making it an ideal destination for sports fans, event goers, and the general public.
By Car:
- From Melbourne CBD (Approx. 40 minutes): Take Nepean Highway (M3) south towards Frankston. Continue along Nepean Highway and turn left onto Cranbourne Road.
- From Dandenong (Approx. 20 minutes): Take South Gippsland Highway (M420) towards Frankston, then turn left onto Cranbourne Road.
- Parking: There are several parking areas around RSEA Park, including a dedicated off-street parking lot near the entrance. Additional parking spaces are available along Cranbourne Road.
Public Transport:
- By Train: The nearest train station to RSEA Park is Frankston Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the venue. Frankston is part of the Frankston Line on the Melbourne train network.
- By Bus: Several bus routes run through Frankston, providing easy access to the stadium from different parts of the city.
3. Events at RSEA Park
RSEA Park is a versatile venue that caters to a wide array of events, making it a key part of the local entertainment and sports scene.
Sports Events:
The stadium is best known for hosting AFL matches, especially those involving the Frankston Dolphins. It also frequently hosts VFL games, which showcase local and national talent. As a home ground for the Dolphins, RSEA Park serves as the venue for the club’s season matches, providing spectators with a chance to watch competitive AFL football.
- AFL VFL Matches: The stadium hosts the regular season games of the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL, which is part of the AFL’s second-tier competition.
- Community Football: RSEA Park also hosts local and regional football competitions, youth leagues, and amateur matches, ensuring that the field is active throughout the year.
Concerts and Entertainment:
While primarily a sports venue, RSEA Park also plays host to various concerts and live performances throughout the year. With its large, open space and excellent acoustics, the stadium is ideal for music festivals, local bands, and major performances that attract thousands of fans.
Corporate and Community Events:
RSEA Park is also available for corporate functions, community festivals, charity events, and conferences. These events make use of the versatile indoor and outdoor spaces that the venue offers, providing an excellent atmosphere for both networking and social events.
Other Special Events:
- Charity Runs/Walks: RSEA Park has hosted events like fun runs and walkathons, often for charitable causes. These events attract a wide variety of participants from the local community.
- Expos and Markets: The venue is also suitable for trade expos, community markets, and other large gatherings. The stadium’s open layout allows for flexible space management, ensuring successful event execution.
4. Ticketing System and Event Admission
Tickets for events at RSEA Park can be purchased through various channels, depending on the event type. Here’s an overview of how the ticketing system generally works at RSEA Park.
Online Ticketing:
- For major events like AFL VFL games, concerts, and festivals, tickets can often be purchased online through the official RSEA Park website or third-party ticketing platforms.
- Online ticketing provides the convenience of purchasing tickets in advance, which is recommended for high-demand events.
Box Office:
- For on-the-day ticket purchases, RSEA Park has an on-site box office. The box office typically opens a few hours before an event and allows visitors to buy tickets in person.
Ticket Prices:
- Sports Events: Ticket prices for AFL VFL games typically range between $10 to $25 per person, depending on the match and seating options.
- Concerts: Concert tickets vary significantly based on the artist, with prices typically ranging from $30 to $100 per person.
- Community and Corporate Events: Pricing for corporate or community events is typically set by the event organizers. Many community events offer free admission.
VIP and Premium Options:
For certain high-profile events, RSEA Park may offer VIP seating or premium ticketing options that provide exclusive access to special areas, catering, or closer views of the event.
5. Parking Facilities and Access
RSEA Park offers ample parking space for attendees, with both on-site parking and nearby public parking available.
On-Site Parking:
- Main Car Park: There is a large on-site parking lot adjacent to the stadium, which can accommodate several hundred cars.
- Accessible Parking: There are designated spaces for disabled parking close to the stadium’s main entrance for visitors with mobility needs.
Street Parking:
In addition to the on-site parking lot, there are street parking options available along Cranbourne Road. However, it’s advisable to arrive early, especially during high-demand events, as spaces may fill up quickly.
Public Transport and Accessibility:
- Trains: As mentioned earlier, Frankston Station is within walking distance of RSEA Park, making public transport a convenient alternative for visitors.
- Buses: Multiple bus routes serve the Frankston area, with nearby stops providing easy access to the stadium.
6. Safety Measures at RSEA Park
RSEA Park takes safety very seriously, both for the athletes and the visitors attending events. The venue is equipped with several safety features to ensure that everyone is protected during their visit.
Emergency Services:
- The stadium is fully equipped with emergency medical services and first aid stations in multiple locations throughout the venue.
- Emergency Exits: There are clearly marked emergency exits, and all staff members are trained to assist in evacuations if necessary.
Crowd Control:
- For larger events, such as concerts or major football games, crowd control measures are in place to ensure that guests can enter and exit the stadium safely.
- Security: On-site security personnel are present during events to help monitor the venue, assist guests, and maintain a safe environment.
COVID-19 and Health Measures:
Although there are no significant health restrictions as of 2025, RSEA Park remains prepared to implement health and safety protocols in case of emergencies or pandemics. These may include social distancing, mask mandates, and sanitation stations during large events.
7. RSEA Park Facilities: Gym, Pool, and Other Amenities
Apart from being a top-tier sports venue, RSEA Park offers a range of additional amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience.
Gym Facilities:
- RSEA Park houses a well-equipped gym that is open to members. It provides a variety of fitness equipment and training spaces suitable for both individual workouts and group fitness classes.
Swimming Pool:
- The venue boasts a modern swimming pool for community use, ideal for those who want to take a dip before or after attending an event. The pool is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
Food and Beverage:
- RSEA Park has a variety of food outlets, including concession stands and cafes. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, meals, and snacks throughout the duration of their visit.
8. Stadium Capacity
RSEA Park has a seating capacity of around 10,000 spectators, with facilities for general seating, corporate boxes, and VIP sections. The venue is large enough to accommodate significant crowds for high-profile sports events, concerts, and festivals while maintaining a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.
Conclusion
RSEA Park is not only a premier destination for sports and entertainment in Frankston but also a community hub that offers a variety of services, facilities, and events for all. From its versatile event hosting capabilities to its convenient location, ample parking, and family-friendly environment, RSEA Park continues to be a significant landmark in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. Whether you’re attending a sports game, a concert, or simply exploring the park’s amenities, RSEA Park provides an exceptional experience for all.