Gather Round will remain in South Australia until at least 2029 after the AFL and the South Australian Government announced a new three-year extension to their partnership.
The agreement secures the future of the annual football festival beyond its current arrangement and follows another strong turnout in 2026, with more than 270,000 fans attending events and matches across the state.
Since its launch in 2023, Gather Round has become a fixture on the AFL calendar, bringing all 18 clubs together in one state for a full round of matches. Games have been staged at venues including Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval, Mt Barker Stadium and Barossa Park, attracting large crowds from both South Australia and interstate.
Under the new deal, the 2027 edition will introduce a player parade, a free event that will bring players from every AFL club together in a fan-focused celebration. Organisers say the parade will provide supporters with another opportunity to engage directly with players during the week-long festival.
Attendance figures released by the state government show more than one million people have attended Gather Round matches and associated events since the concept was introduced four years ago. Officials estimate the event has generated more than $285 million in economic activity across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions, while drawing more than 132,000 interstate visitors.
The event has also been linked to investment in community football facilities. Through the South Australian Football Facilities Fund, a partnership involving the AFL, the South Australian Government and SANFL, 111 projects have received support across metropolitan and regional areas since 2023. The program has distributed $8 million in grants, contributing to projects with a combined value of around $96 million.
Supporters of Gather Round point to its economic benefits and its ability to showcase South Australia’s tourism offerings, including hospitality venues, wine regions and regional communities. The event has become a major attraction during the AFL season and has helped position South Australia as a destination for large-scale sporting events.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the extension reflected the state’s success in hosting the festival and highlighted its value to both football fans and the wider economy.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon described Gather Round as one of the country’s leading sporting events, crediting the support of the South Australian community and government for its continued growth.
While attendance and economic figures have been promoted by organisers as evidence of the event’s success, future editions will continue to be judged on their ability to attract visitors, support local businesses and maintain strong fan engagement.
Dates and venues for the 2027 Gather Round are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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