The day promises to be one of those 'do-not-miss' Blacks events that will be talked about for years; action-packed throughout the day with several important traditions and inaugural awards to bestow.
Make the most of the opportunity to reunite with Blackers from the past, enjoying the day among familiar faces all in support of our mighty Club and the battle against the Blues. Both Club's have been working together to ensure the day is as enjoyable as possible for supporters of both teams.
The Blacks have engaged White Knight Catering Services to provide a hearty spread of food items, available as a standing buffet, from 12pm-2pm. Guests are invited to arrive early, enjoy some of the Reserves curtain-raiser and build-up, before taking in the Seniors from 2pm. The Bar will be open during this time, thanks to the VAFA's new rules around match-day luncheons! During the luncheon, the Costello Oration will be held - this year prominent historian and academic Geoffrey Blainey will take the honours in providing some of his insights about the truly unique Blacks v Blues rivalry.
Afternoon Tea will be provided at half-time of the Seniors, before a huge post-match drinks celebration will again be held in the Pavvy.
Secure your ticket NOW to the Club Luncheon (your ticket covers your attendance at the buffet & the Costello Oration) and please direct any special requirements or questions about the day to Club Secretary, Zach Harris via email: zharris@uniblacks.org.au TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE LINK AND ARE SELLING FAST!!
Can I do a direct bank transfer for my ticket to the Luncheon?
Yes you can - we would prefer you to use the ticket link/Blacks online store option as it makes it easier to track numbers - but if you find it easier to do a bank transfer, the Blacks account details are:
University Blacks FC - 136249455 - 63300 - (please include your name in the reference)
Will the food at the buffet be enough to last me for the afternoon?
Absolutely it will. We have worked closely with the Catering team, and they will be providing a large spread of items, including salmon, steak, sandwiches, spring rolls, pizza, salad servings and slices. Plenty to keep you filled for the day (remember to leave some space for the Blacks' world famous "Arvo Tea" though, half time of the Seniors)!
My ticket gets me entry to the lunch and the Costello Oration, what is that?
The Costello Oration was initiated in 2019 after the passing of Blacks stalwart and Patriarch of the Costello family, Dr. Brian Costello (Snr). The Doc was everywhere at the Blacks from his first game in 1967, and since then it would be a tough job to find anyone who has played at the Blacks without crossing the path of Brian Snr, or any of his sons & grandsons, such is the impact the Costello family has had on our Club.
After Brian Snr's passing, his sons Tony and Simon (Harry) made sure to keep the spirit of the Doc well and truly alive with a ceremonial tribute speech, sharing memories and stories and anecdotes from the past.
In 2023, Blacks and Blues supporters will be treated to hearing from Geoffrey Blainey, the highly regarded and acclaimed historian, author and academic. The Oration will commence at around 1pm during the luncheon, inside the Pavvy.
Did I read correctly that the bar will be open from 12pm? I thought drinks were not available at VAFA games until after the end of the Seniors?
You did read that correctly! After the challenges of Covid-19, the VAFA adjusted their rules to accommodate Club luncheons providing alcohol. Now, Club's are able to apply for permits that grant them the ability to serve alcohol at luncheons. There are naturally Responsible Service of Alcohol rules still in place for the bar to be able to operate, one of the main rules being that any alcohol must be consumed inside the Pavilion - not whilst watching the game on the boundary or behind the goals! Nevertheless, we are a fan of this rule adjustment from the VAFA.
When will the bar be open?
We plan on serving drinks at the bar from 12pm until half time of the Seniors, having a short break from drink sales, before resuming again after the final siren at about 4:30pm!
If it is a buffet luncheon, will there be seats available to eat at a table if I would prefer that?
Yes there will be. We will make sure the pavilion is set up to accommodate a mix of seated dining and those who might prefer to have a stand and nibble/drink.
What is the world famous Blacks' Arvo Tea?
The best way to find out would be by attending it yourself! Each home game, the Blacks host an afternoon tea spread of sweets, savoury and coffe/tea, for the bargain basement price of $5. Blacks' players traditionally provide the elbow grease for our spreads, which adds to the character and appeal. Over the years though, the real highlights have been when household names like "Mahon", "Lacey", "Drysdale" and "Batten" (to name a few, certainly not all), have pitched in with some of their next-level sandwiches, scones, slices & more. For $5, we cannot think of a better value-for-money offer going around these days!!
What is the timeline for the day?
Blacks vs Blues Reserves match will commence at 11:40am, first bounce. Both teams will be relishing the chance to get the first points on the board for the day for their side.
The Luncheon will kick off from 12pm, and run until the start of the Seniors, 2pm. During the Luncheon, the Costello Oration will take place.
At half time of the Seniors, Arvo Tea will be held.
After the final siren, the Bar will re-open and the post-match formalities will take place. Formalities will include honouring and celebrating the memory of James Green, by awarding the best Blacks player for the day with the James Green Medal, followed by the awarding of the Inaugural Batten-Church Medal.
The Batten-Church Medal was established in the middle of this year, jointly between the Blacks and Blues. The Medal will be awarded on September 2nd, and in all subsequent Blacks vs Blues matches, to the player judged best afield.
Lastly, the Hooker Cup will be handed to the winning team in the Seniors.
Plenty of action from first to last, do not miss out and your first step in making the most of the day is by buying a ticket to the Luncheon. Cheers!
University of Melbourne
Parkville VIC 3010
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0459701965
zharris@uniblacks.org.au
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