SANFL welcomes AFL Festival of Footy

11 November, 2022

By SANFL Media

The SANFL is thrilled with the AFL’s announcement that South Australia will host an inaugural AFL festival of footy in April 2023.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said that showcasing a full round of AFL football, with nine matches across four days from April 13-16, would not only be a boon for tourism in South Australia but a great outcome for football in the state.

“We congratulate the Premier Peter Malinauskas and his Government on all their work in securing this major sporting event for our State,” Mr Chandler said.

“As the biggest club sport in this State with over 50,000 participants and tens of thousands of supporters and volunteers, football is part of the fabric of South Australia.

“Adelaide certainly is the perfect city for this unique event and I have no doubt that all footy and sporting fans will embrace it.

“We look forward to working with the AFL, the State Government and all football stakeholders in South Australia to finalise venues in addition to Adelaide Oval and deliver a football festival that has never been seen before.”

Mr Chandler said that in planning for the event, SANFL and the Adelaide Footy League would fixture bye weekends for its competitions.

SANFL also would encourage and work with all affiliated leagues across the State to consider doing the same, ensuring all football participants and fans had an opportunity to experience and be a part of this unique football celebration.

“South Australians are passionate about their football, and I have no doubt would support this unique event in droves,” he said.