Now Open: Chin Chin's One-Year Pop-Up Restaurant Is Feeding Footy Fans and Geelong Locals at Kardinia Park

Meat pies and sausage rolls will never go out of style at the footy — even if they do cost a fortune nowadays. But sports stadiums across Australia have noticed how punters increasingly desire a really decent meal before or after a game.

More specifically, these venues see how there is a lot to gain from feeding fans within the stadium rather than having them hit up a local pub or restaurant before heading over to catch a match.

To achieve this, GMHBA Stadium has brought out the big guns: Melbourne's forever-favourite Chin Chin.

Chris Lucas' new restaurant is slated to stick around for one year as a pop-up (sadly, it isn't a permanent fixture), but we're hoping that its huge popularity might change that. Even before Club Chin Chin opened on Sunday, May 4, there was a 5,000+ waitlist.

And even though it is fully booked in May, June and July reservations are now available for anyone to book — not just footy fans.

Chin Chin regulars will find a stack of familiar dishes served at both the Melbourne and Sydney Chin Chin, alongside a few new bites that are exclusive to Geelong. Signature dishes only found at GMHBA Stadium include crispy prawn spring rolls and a panang curry that's packed with twice-cooked lamb.

Bevs are a highly local affair, featuring beers from Blackman's Brewery and wines from Jack Rabbit, Yes Said The Seal, Leura Park, Mulline, Bannockburn and Oakdene.

"From growing up in Belmont to now opening my first venue in Geelong, I couldn't be prouder", says Chris Lucas.

"Launching a third Chin Chin outpost in my own hometown is a dream come true. And doing it in collaboration with my beloved football team, the mighty Cats — well, it doesn't get any better than that."

Club Chin Chin can be found at GMHBA Stadium, 370 Moorabool Street, South Geelong. AFL game-goers can book a table before a match, while regular programming will see Club Chin Chin open from 5pm–late on Thursday, 12pm–late on Friday and Saturday, and 12pm on Sunday for lunch. Find more details and book a highly-coveted table via the venue's website.