New data shows the economic impact the inaugural Gather Round injected into SA

Score! A staggering figure was injected into the South Australian economy by the inaugural AFL Gather Round.

The inaugural AFL Gather Round injected more than $83m into the state economy and generated more than 150,000 visitor nights, new data shows.

The success of the event – held across four days in April – was supercharged by visitors who stayed multiple nights and spent time in the regions as well as Adelaide.

Independent analysis undertaken by consultancy IER for the AFL showed $55.7m of the $83.5m boost was contributed by interstate visitors.

There were 41,262 visitors to SA who contributed to the 151,487 visitor nights generated.

Of those, 126,330 were in Adelaide and 25,157 were elsewhere in the state.

Kym Bond, (Sydney), Lauren Bond, (Freemantle), Georgie Orchard, (Port Power), Jack Trim, (Crows), and Holly Payne (Richmond) at the Cathedral Hotel ahead of AFL Gather Round. Picture Dean Martin

The analysis reveals the match between Brisbane and North Melbourne – at Mount Barker – helped contribute $2m into the Adelaide Hills economy.

Victorians represented 65 per cent of visitors, while more than a quarter came from NSW, WA and Queensland combined. The event also supported 665 jobs.

All nine matches of the Gather Round were sold out, with 135,586 fans turning out – many going to several games.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the event was a success, “and now we’ve got the data to prove it”. Picture: Emma Brasier

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the event was a success beyond anyone’s expectations – “and now we’ve got the data to prove it”.

“The event contributed more than $80m into the state’s economy, supported hundreds of jobs and helped fill hotels, bars and restaurants,” he said on Sunday.

“The atmosphere was simply incredible and the only way to truly experience it is by being here.

“My message to footy fans across Australia is start planning your trip to SA because Gather Round 2024 promises to be even bigger than this year.”

The AFL and state government have struck a deal to host Gather Round in 2024, 2025 and 2026.