Alice Springs business, community right behind AFL’s Red Centre bounce

Approaching the first decade of AFL fixtures in Alice Springs, the build-up is still as exciting as ever. Read how the town is getting ready for the big game.

Thousands of footy fans from Alice Springs and throughout Australian will brave near-freezing conditions at Traeger Park Sunday to watch the AFL’s Melbourne Demons take on the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

Marketed by the AFL as held in the “heart of the nation”, last year’s game between the Demons and Port Adelaide pumped $5.2m into the Territory economy.

While the cost to Territory taxpayers to secure matches remains a closely guarded secret, it’s estimated to be about $2m a game.

Simon Goodwin, Senior Coach of the Demons addresses his players during the 2022 AFL match against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s almost a decade since the first game for AFL points was played in 2014 between Melbourne and Port Adelaide.

Matt Conlan, the NT sports minister who inked the deal with the Demons, remembered the AFL refusing to play matches in Alice Springs because there were no lights for night games.

“Lights were a stumbling block for years,” he said. “The AFL wanted to play in the cool at night and no work had been done around a daytime fixture.

“The AFL had to be convinced it wasn’t too hot in Alice in winter but convince them we did and that’s how we secured the fixture.”

The Demons have stuck with Alice Springs ever since and the consistency of the fixture has made it one of the town’s biggest events, according to Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford.

Harry Singh will be checking the score online while serving thirsty punters.

“It’s certainly up there with the biggest,” he said.

“It’s a huge boost for our community socially and economically.

“Thousand come in from all over the country and it’s a vibrant event on our calendar.

“It brings people to the town and brings extra colour to the Sunday markets and it’s great to see so many people coming to Alice Springs.”

The major economic boost comes through hospitality, with retailers missing out on a sugar hit as clothing and Indigenous art tend to be less popular with interstate footy lovers, while food and accommodation are the big winners.

Prakai Saisuk and team from Thai de Cuisine are prepped and ready for the influx of footy fans.

Sporties manager Harry Singh hasn’t made it to an actual game yet because of the work.

“I haven’t been yet because it’s too busy here but we check the score updates on Google,” he said at the front of the venue.

“AFL brings life to the town, it’s really busy and good for everyone, good for us and other businesses.

“We get people from all over Australia here and it’s a major event that every business looks forward to.”

Prakai Saisuk at Thai de Cuisine said major events such as AFL helped breathe life into businesses after long, hot summers.

Ariel Velasquez says ‘everybody’s hungry’ when they come to the Red Centre.

“It’s what we wait for this time of the year,” he said.

“We have our loyal customers but the AFL and the other events are good for all the food businesses.”

Kebab vendor Ariel Velasquez can’t get enough of the extra customers, saying “for some reason, when they come to Alice Springs, everybody’s hungry”.

Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson said he wanted to see more major events in the town.

“Alice Springs needs more events on a national scale and having the AFL game here every year is a fantastic boost for our community,” he said.

“Melbourne have done a great job making Alice Springs a home away from home and there is always a buzz around town when the Dees come back.

Matt Paterson mayor of Alice Springs outside council. Picture Mark Brake

“It’s also an incredible opportunity for young aspiring footballers to see their role models up close and personal.

“Hopefully it helps them to dream big and follow their passions in life.”

Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer Nicole Walsh said this year’s game came amid a cluster of major events beginning Saturday with Territory Day, AFL Sunday and the Alice Springs show beginning Friday.

“We’ve had a really good, solid history with the AFL playing in Central Australia,” she said. “Some of the first games and the crowds they attracted and how excited people were to be able to access AFL football.

“Now we’ve seen it grow into a really professional event that really brings people to Central Australia as well.

“Every year we see the diehard fans come up all the time to watch their AFL club and the Melbourne supporters.”