The 2022 AFLW Grand Final is happening in Springfield.
This is not fictional.
The Simpsons town’s whereabouts is famously a ‘riddle wrapped in an enigma’ – sometimes ‘in North Takoma‘, a made-up US state – but there’s also a Queensland suburb called Springfield in Ipswich’s east.
Oh, and it’s where the Brisbane Lions’ brand new training base is.
And on Saturday, Brighton Homes Arena, Springfield, is hosting the AFLW Grand Final. The Lions earned ‘home’ rights, finishing as minor premiers and one spot ahead of their decider opponents the Melbourne Demons.
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But there’s been a bit of drama and confusion in the build-up to the big one.
Why is Springfield hosting the AFLW Grand Final?
Both the GABBA and Suns’ home ground Metricon Stadium (Carrara) were off the table; cricket commitments were already locked in at the Lions’ home ground, while Calvin Harris is booked to headline a music festival on the Gold Coast.
Why not take it interstate?
Unlike in the AFL, the top-placed GF qualifier has rights to host the decider. While taking it to Melbourne, like Marvel Stadium, would ensure many more fans have the ability to attend, ultimately the Queensland club ticked all the requisite boxes to ensure some home ground advantage.
It comes after Richmond, also quite controversially, hosted a final at Punt Road Oval – a capacity of 2,800.
Are there still tickets to the AFLW Grand Final?
The ground’s capacity is 8,000, consisting of a 600-seat grandstand.
Tickets were released on Monday afternoon, but ‘close to 7,000 tickets’ were bagged within three hours.
The league has since confirmed it’s a sellout, with fans only having to fork out $10 per Adult – kids get in free.
What is Brighton Homes Arena?
Australian football’s newest venue will host its official launch in the AFLW Grand Final this Sunday. It’s the Brisbane Lions brand new $80 million training ground, yet to host a match. Turf was only recently laid, but it’s been deemed up to professional standard and given the ‘tick’ of approval.
Even the Lions only this week stepped foot out there for the first time, acclimatising to the GF venue.
Brisbane CEO Greg Swann did his best to alleviate concerns.
“Brighton Homes Arena is an AFL accredited stadium, with full broadcast compliance, excellent public transport and parking, expansive home and away team, and officials facilities,” he told media.
“It’s the best of its class for women’s sport in the country and will go a long way in helping the growth of women and girl’s footy in Queensland.
“It’s been designed as a uniquely Queensland venue – taking advantage of spectators being able to sit on the hill with their family and friends, and have a festive feel with food trucks and entertainment.
Sunday afternoon in Springfield is forecast for 31 degrees and sunny, assisting all parties in ensuring it’s set to generate a buzzy and unique atmosphere. It sets up to resemble that of a packed out local footy venue for a state or regional league Grand Final, an experience that’s tough to beat.
Given the venue confusion, there’s been a bizarreness to the build-up. But hey, any publicity is good publicity.
