Location: GABBA, Brisbane QLD
Date: Saturday, 24 October 2020
Time: 6:30pm AEST
Watch LIVE: Channel 7 or AFL Live Pass on Mobile
Teams: Richmond versus Geelong Cats
Like many events this year, the 2020 AFL grand final is going to look a little different in 2020. Traditionally always played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), COVID-19 has seen the iconic sporting event moved to a different state for the first time in the history of the sport. This year, the game will be played along way from home with the AFL body announcing the game is to be held at the GABBA in Brisbane, Queensland.
We’ve put together some ideas on how you can celebrate the AFL Grand Final in 2020, whichever state you’re in.
Photo by Daniel Anthony on Unsplash
5 Ways to Celebrate the AFL Grand Final in 2020
1. Book a table at your local sports bar.
Depending on the COVID-19 restrictions in your area, you may be able to book a table at your local sports bar or AFL club. Many venues host AFL Grand Final Day events, which can include special food and drink packages, live entertainment and, of course, the game live on the big screen.
Currently in Queensland, gatherings, both at home and in public places, are limited to between 10 to 30 people*, depending on your location. However, larger groups are allowed in venues with a COVID-SAFE plan in place. It’s likely events like these will fill up quickly in 2020, so our advice is get your crew together and book early.
*As of 18 September 2020. COVID-19 restrictions depend on your locality. Please refer to the Queensland Government website for more information.
2. Host a BBQ at home.
Hosting a BBQ at home is a tradition for many avid AFL fans — after all there is nothing more Australian than a backyard BBQ. For those looking to create the authentic AFL game feel, try your hand at making stadium-themed food; think hotdogs, hot chips, wings and, of course, plenty of beer. Being at the MCG itself is the only thing better than a grand final day BBQ.
Thinking of hosting a grand final day event? Ensure you check your local COVID-19 restrictions to avoid nasty fines.
3. Host a viewing party.
Has COVID-19 placed limitations on private gatherings in your area, making you unable to host your own game day event? Consider hosting a virtual AFL grand final event instead. There are so many great video chat platforms available for little-to-no cost. Simply log onto Zoom or jump on a group Facetime call and watch the game together from the comfort of your own homes.
4. Create a sweep with your friends and family.
Whether it’s in the office, with your friends, neighbours or family members nothing beats the classic grand final day sweep. You can often find a newspaper pull out, or easily print a sweep board of the players in the week leading up to the big day. Sweeps can be centred around almost anything relating to the game including goals kicked, penalties and first goal-scorer.
Make your sweep family friendly by switching up the winnings. Replace traditional monetary winnings with chocolates, hampers or small gifts.
Just be sure to check your individual states laws and guidelines before creating a sweep. Remember you cannot take any organisation fees, and cannot include prizes in your sweep which legally may not be won or gambled on. This includes tobacco, weapons, cosmetic surgery or your friends who barric for the wrong team.
Please remember to gamble responsibly within your means and legally. For more information or if you or someone you know need help please follow this link for more information.
5. Play your own game of AFL.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a moderate sized yard or live close to a public park, there is no better way to celebrate grand final day than playing your own game of AFL. A game of AFL can be easily adapted to smaller groups, to ensure you stay within your local areas COVID-19 restrictions. All you’ll need is an AFL ball, four items to use as goal posts and some passionate players.
How to score an AFL game:
Scoring an AFL game is simple; six points are awarded to goals kicked between the two middle sections, as long as the ball is not touched by another player. When a player kicks, handballs, hits the inner posts or runs between any posts with the ball crossing the goal line, a behind is scored and the team is awarded one point. Points are then added up and the team with the highest score wins.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AFL Grand Final
Where is the AFL grand final being played in 2020?
In 2020, the AFL grand final will be played at the GABBA in Brisbane, Queensland. The Adelaide Oval in South Australia has been named as the secondary location if Queensland experiences another wave of COVID-19 in the weeks leading up to the big event.
When is AFL Grand Final Day in 2020?
AFL Grand Final Day falls on 24 October 2020. Keeping with tradition, 23 October is the AFL Grand Final Day public holiday in Victoria.
Where can I watch the AFL grand final?
The AFL grand final will air on Fox Sports and Channel 7.
The information published in this blog is accurate at the time of publication. Neither Localsearch, nor the author, is liable for the misuse of information contained in this publication. For the most up-to-date information regarding your local restrictions consult your local government website.
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