It’s a weekend like we’ve never seen in AFL land and it’s literally nearly here. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the first ever Gather Round.
The first of its kind for the code; Australia’s game will turn into South Australia’s game for four days, with all 18 clubs converging upon one of footy’s sacred states. Nine matches will be played across three different venues; a majority hosted by the world-famous Adelaide Oval.
The concept, inspired by cross-code rival the NRL and its ‘Magic Round’, was announced in November last year. A short time later, the footy festival’s official title, Gather Round, came to light; catchy but somewhat polarising branding.
But whatever it’s called, we can get around heaps of footy played in a small radius; it’s guaranteed fun and an event we all need to add to our sporting bucket lists. So let’s have a look at everything you need to know before the first ever AFL Gather Round.
When and where is the AFL Gather Round?
GATHER ROUND: April 13-16
The AFL’s inaugural Gather Round will be held in South Australia, across three different grounds, from Thursday April 13 through to Sunday April 16. The iconic Adelaide Oval will host two thirds of the matches; a game on each day.
A couple of local grounds used by SANFL sides will be in rotation over the four day footy festival, including Norwood Oval in the city’s inner east. The Summit Sports and Recreation Park, Mount Barker, in the Hills District, will also play host.
It has been strategically placed during the Easter school holidays around the nation so that families can flock down for the weekend; the weekend following the Easter long weekend.
What is ‘Gather Round’?
As a whole, the concept is to bring AFL fans from across the country to one destination to watch all 18 clubs in action through a jam-packed extended weekend of footy.
The ‘Gather Round’ idea has definitely been put in place after the success of the NRL’s Magic Round, which enters its fourth iteration in less than two months time.
This year it’s an additional round in the 2023 AFL season and CEO Gillian McLaughlin decided to implement it now instead of having an additional pre-season match; not a bad outcome for everyone involved.
Gather Round: Matches, times & dates
There will be nine matches played across the four days of the Gather Round with one on Thursday, two on Friday, three on Saturday and three on Sunday.
Thursday 13th April
Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues, Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm
Friday 14th April
Fremantle Dockers vs Gold Coast Suns, Norwood Oval, 5.10pm
Richmond Tigers vs Sydney Swans, Adelaide Oval, 8.10pm
Saturday 15th April
Brisbane Lions vs North Melbourne Kangaroos, Summit Sports and Recreation Park – Mount Barker, 1.10pm
Essendon Bombers vs Melbourne Demons, Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm
Port Adelaide Power vs Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval, 7.50pm
Sunday 16th April
Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval, 1.10pm
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn Hawks, Norwood Oval, 3.20pm
Collingwood Magpies vs St Kilda Saints, Adelaide Oval, 4.50pm
How much does it cost to go to the ‘Gather Round’?
Flights and accommodation are always going to be the most expensive part of going anywhere and it’s still the case with attending the inaugural Gather Round.
However, the AFL has made it one bit more affordable by capping prices on tickets to watch the matches live with individual and day passes available.
General public tickets are capped at $30 for adults, $20 for concession and kids under 15 go for free.
Also, any members to any of the 18 clubs get free entry to their teams match.
Click the link to find the perfect package for your AFL Gather Round experience!
