As South Australia prepares for its final confirmed year hosting the AFL Gather Round, Premier Peter Malinauskas has expressed his commitment to securing the event’s long-term presence in the state.
The chief executive of the AFL has not indicated when the negotiations regarding this matter might conclude.
This year, Gather Round is scheduled to take place from April 9 to 12 at three different venues, one of which is located in the Barossa Valley.
The Premier is actively advocating for a long-term agreement to continue hosting Gather Round events, although he has tempered expectations for any announcements to be made this weekend.
Starting Thursday, Gather Round will commence its fourth edition after South Australia successfully obtained a three-year hosting deal following the event’s favorable reception in 2023.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon mentioned on Wednesday that he anticipates “productive” discussions with Premier Malinauskas, but he acknowledged that the negotiations are intricate.
“We will keep the dialogue going, and if it makes sense to finalize something this weekend, we will. However, if it takes two weeks or even two months, we are prepared for that,” Dillon stated.
Mr. Malinauskas aims to establish a more permanent spot for South Australia on the AFL calendar. He noted that discussions regarding an extension would occur “in the coming days, weeks, or months as necessary.”
“It’s essential for Gather Round to remain a must-visit event, so that those who attend once will want to return. This requires innovation and freshness,” he commented.
He added, “We have several ideas to achieve this, but these can only come to fruition if we secure some certainty regarding a deal that extends beyond one year.”
When questioned about the possibility of accepting a one-year agreement as a temporary solution, Mr. Malinauskas replied, “Discussing those specifics in a public forum like this press conference is not productive for negotiations.”
In an interview on Channel Nine the previous night, Mr. Malinauskas indicated his willingness to invest further in Gather Round, provided he is assured of its continuity in South Australia for several years.
“If the AFL turns this into a one-year event, it would not serve them well, nor the sport itself,” he remarked. “So, grant us a long-term contract, and we will invest in future endeavors, creating more venues like the Barossa.”
The Premier noted that hotel bookings this year have surpassed those of the same period last year, and additional indicators—such as visitor arrivals at the airport and ticket sales—suggest an event that could be “as large as last year’s, or perhaps even larger.”
Dillon concurred, highlighting that the federal government’s reduction in fuel excise and efforts to ensure fuel availability have increased traveler confidence for crossing state lines.
“Gather Round is successful here, as evidenced by the influx of interstate visitors, ticket sales, and broadcast ratings throughout Australia,” he stated.
Previously, the government estimated that approximately 20,000 fans travel to South Australia for Gather Round, although some supporters have reconsidered their plans due to rising fuel prices and supply issues.
From April 9 to 12, South Australia will welcome all 18 AFL teams at three venues, including one situated about an hour’s drive from Adelaide in the Barossa Valley.
