State Government considers spending public funds to bring AFL Grand Final to Adelaide
After the success of Adelaide Oval in hosting post-lockdown football matches, the State Government is weighing up chipping in for a grand final that would give us international attention.
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The State Government is actively considering throwing money at the AFL to be able to host finals football at Adelaide Oval.
Bolstered by the success of matches held in Adelaide in recent months, the government is confident the state has a strong case to host key games at the pointy end of the AFL season.
“We want to put our best foot forward with a compelling case for the AFL to consider,” Premier Steven Marshall said.
“We have proven that the Adelaide Oval can handle large crowds and I think that we are in a unique position in SA to host finals footy.
“Money is tight at the moment in SA but I think the unique coverage that would be provided to SA would allow us to sell our state internationally. “We will weigh up those opportunities like we would weigh up other commercial opportunities.” Spending money to get a marquee sporting event to SA is not unique for the state – an estimated $6m was reportedly paid to get a State-of-Origin rugby league game played at Adelaide Oval later this year.
An estimated three million people, in Australia alone, watched last season’s AFL Grand Final. The finals series was watched by 14 million people, highlighting the tourism exposure potential.
“I think there is a real opportunity for Adelaide to host finals and potentially the grand final,” Mr Marshall said. “COVID has created an extraordinary situation that is very possible that the AFL Grand Final will not be held at the MCG.”
On Monday, The Advertiser revealed the government was developing an official proposal to swoop in and get the grand final, and other post-season, matches to Adelaide Oval. A taskforce was announced on Tuesday.
Queensland is considered to be the hot favourite to host the showpiece, but the status of the entire finals series is unclear, with the MCG ruled out because of the Victorian second wave. WA has signalled its willingness for Optus Stadium to host the grand final but has refused to relax quarantine requirements to allow bigger crowds.