10 pubs and bars to watch the AFL grand final in Adelaide
Watching the AFL Grand Final, but don’t want to stay home? Try one of these spots – but bookings are essential!
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Whether you’re supporting the Tigers or Cats, or just getting in the AFL Grand Final spirit, there are a bunch of places to catch the big game.
This year’s Richmond v Geelong Grand Final falls on the same day as racing’s Cox Plate, and many pubs and venues are showing both. But, because of COVID-19 restrictions, bookings are recommended. Some venues, such as Arkaba Hotel, have already sold out their AFL package but spots are still available for the Cox Plate.
Long-time Cats supporter Abby McDonough is planning to watch the match with friends at the Morphett Arms.
“It’s been nine years since our last premiership, so if we win, I will be partying well into Sunday,” she said.
The HWY
290 Anzac Hwy, Plympton 8297 8155
One of Adelaide’s most popular sports viewing venues is again putting on a show – this time a ticketed event to ensure restrictions are happily met. $100 will get you a canape package (think mini cheeseburgers and lamb skewers), six drink tickets and a reserved seat on the deck or beer garden. It kicks off at 6pm. HWY is also offering a luncheon for the Cox Plate ($95), or a $30 Furphy Deck option. Book online at thehighway.com.au
WALKERS ARMS HOTEL
36 North East Rd, Walkerville
It’ll be dinner and a show at Walkers Arms, which is offering a two-course set menu and four drinks for $55. The hotel is adding two massive screens to its existing beer garden screens – beer garden packages, which start at $300, are nearly sold out. Dinner is at 6pm – book via walkersarms.com.au
MARION HOTEL
849 Marion Rd, Mitchell Park 8276 8888
Prior to the AFL grand final, the recently refurbished Marion Hotel will be showing the Cox Plate race on its screens. For the big footy match, they’re offering a four-hour drinks package with food for $90 in ‘The Shed’ from 6pm. Tickets at marionhotel.com.au
BRIDGEWATER INN
387 Mount Barker Rd, Bridgewater
Enjoy watching the game in one of the state’s most beautiful beer gardens. Bridgewater Inn is televising the grand final on multiple screens in both the front bar and sports bar, and will have the fireplace going if the weather turns chilly (it’s forecast to reach a maximum of 18 degrees). Drinks specials will include $15 jugs of West End Draught, $10 gin cocktails and $12 espresso martinis, alongside pub meals and snacks. Bookings are highly recommended.
MORPHETT ARMS
138 Morphett Rd, Glengowrie 8295 8371
Catch the game the superscreens in the pub’s front bar and lounge. Table reservations are available – call to book. morphettarms.com.au
WARRADALE HOTEL
234 Diagonal Rd, Warradale 8296 1019
You’ll catch Richmond and Geelong play on big screens in the Tavern Bar & Garden. Call to reserve a table. warradalehotel.com.au
THE GULLY PUBLIC HOUSE & GARDEN
1349 North East Road, Tea Tree Gully 8264 2288
Footy-loving crowds are expected to fill the Gully’s famed beer garden, so it’s best to call ahead. They’ll be showing the game on their screens and will have drinks specials going. thegullyphg.com.au
ALMA TAVERN
66 Magill Rd, Norwood 8362 1234
Limited spots left so call quickly to reserve a seat in the beer garden, bar or restaurant. Meals and drink specials are available from 6.30pm. almatavern.com.u
KENSI HOTEL
23 Regent St, Kensington 8332 1300
In the Corner Bar you’ll get a main meal and four drinks along with your seat for $50. IT’s on from 6.30pm, call to book or visit kensingtonhotel.com.au
ADELAIDE UNI BAR
Ground level, Union House
Gate 10, Victoria Dr, North Terrace Campus 0481 761 092
In perhaps the most exciting musical news since Bob Francis convinced The Beatles not to fly over South Australia, Lazaro’s Dog has been announced as the headliner for the Adelaide Uni Bar’s Grand Final extravaganza.
The Dog, best known for the manic single Home Entertainment System (No. 82 on the 2001 Hottest 100!), will spare punters’ ears from the sounds of Sheppard during the Big Dance’s half time break.
There are also strong rumours that the five-piece has been hard at work perfecting a punk rock version of our alternative national anthem, Up There Cazaly.
And if that’s not enough to get you down to the Cloisters lawns from 4pm on Saturday, how about a giant 8m screen, live sets from Ron the Ox and NO NO NO NO NO, food from Daisy Burger and beer giveaways for the best-dressed sporting types? adelaide.edu.au/unibar