Foot traffic is likely to quadruple across an activated Festival Plaza over the next four days as the city braces for what is expected to be the biggest AFL Gather Round Festival of Footy yet.
Forecasts provided by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency predict a whopping 336,790 people will pound the pavement at Festival Plaza and the surrounding area from Thursday to Sunday, a 300% increase on what’s deemed to be a regular four-day weekend average.
The space, owned by Renewal SA, will be a hive of pre- and post-game entertainment, activated by SkyCity with music, live footy on massive temporary screens, mini golf, and a silent disco.
Sally McDermant, Director of Asset Management at Renewal SA, said she was pleased to see Festival Plaza being used to its full potential, not just as a thoroughfare but as a destination in its own right.
“Lots of work has occurred behind the scenes to make this weekend’s events possible in support of the AFL Gather Round,” Ms McDermant said.
“We have worked closely with our partners throughout the precinct to ensure visitors and interstate guests have an exciting experience as they venture towards games at the Adelaide Oval.”
Ms McDermant hopes that events like the AFL Gather Round and recent activations for Liv Golf will encourage further opportunities to showcase the precinct and draw attention to the area.
“We now have more than 16,000m² of open public space to utilise with the rejuvenation of Festival Plaza,” she said.
“Surrounded by iconic Adelaide landmarks, it makes sense that the area would continue to be used to its full capability.”
Adelaide Airport has shared their expectations for the week, projecting a record 200,000 passengers, many bound for the football.
“Our busiest days are forecast to be today and Monday, but we’re expecting to exceed 30,000 passengers per day over four of the five days during Gather Round,” said Brenton Cox, Adelaide Airport's Managing Director.
Adelaide’s third AFL Gather Round in as many years will see more AFL games played in the city and beyond this weekend than at any other point in the year.
Adelaide Railway Station, another asset owned and managed by Renewal SA, is also getting its game face on, dressed up and decorated ready for the fanfare across the four days of football.
Ms McDermant, who also manages the Railway Station for Renewal SA, expects record crowds through the train station this weekend.
“Adelaide Metro is offering free train rides for anyone travelling to the city with a game day ticket.
“With five games at Adelaide Oval, all of which are expected to sell out, we will see hundreds of thousands of people venture through the beautiful old train station, and we have made sure it’s looking and feeling great for all our visitors,” Ms McDermant added.
Five games will be played at Adelaide Oval this weekend, starting with Crows vs. Geelong tonight at 7.10pm.
Visit the SkyCity website for Festival Plaza event times and more information: Festival of Footy - SkyCity Adelaide
