The AFL's Gather Round event proved a resounding success in 2023, captivating fans and showcasing the league's ability to adapt and innovate. With its popularity firmly established, anticipation is already building for Gather Round 2025. While specific details remain under wraps, let's speculate on what the future holds for this exciting initiative.
Potential Host Cities for Gather Round 2025
The success of Adelaide as the 2023 host city has undoubtedly opened the door for other states and territories to vie for the privilege. Several locations could convincingly compete to become the heart of AFL action in 2025:
-
Perth: Western Australia's passionate football fans have long deserved a major AFL event. Hosting Gather Round in Perth would offer a unique experience, boosting tourism and showcasing the city to a national audience. The capacity of Optus Stadium makes it a prime contender.
-
Melbourne (Again?): While a repeat in Melbourne might seem less exciting, the sheer scale of the MCG and the city's established infrastructure make it a hard contender to ignore. A Melbourne Gather Round could offer a different flavor than the usual home-and-away games.
-
Sydney: The AFL's growing presence in NSW makes Sydney a strong possibility. The Sydney Cricket Ground could be utilized, attracting a new segment of fans and exposing the sport to a wider audience.
-
Brisbane: The Gabba's recent renovations and Brisbane's growing reputation as a major sporting city could make it a strong contender. The success of the 2032 Olympics bid further solidifies Brisbane's position on the national sporting stage.
Factors Influencing the Host City Decision
The AFL will likely consider several factors when selecting the 2025 host city:
- Stadium Capacity and Infrastructure: A venue capable of hosting large crowds and providing a comfortable fan experience is crucial.
- Tourism Potential: The economic benefits of hosting Gather Round are significant, and a city with strong tourism infrastructure will be favoured.
- Fan Base and Engagement: A city with a large and passionate AFL following will enhance the event's atmosphere and success.
- Broadcasting Considerations: The television broadcast plays a significant role, and a host city with robust broadcast facilities will be advantageous.
Potential Enhancements and Innovations for Gather Round 2025
Building upon the 2023 event's success, expect to see refinements and new additions for Gather Round 2025:
- Expanded Entertainment: Expect an even greater emphasis on fan engagement, with concerts, family-friendly activities, and possibly even a dedicated AFL festival running alongside the matches.
- Improved Fan Experience: Learning from feedback received in 2023, the AFL will likely focus on improving ticketing processes, transportation arrangements, and overall game-day logistics.
- Community Engagement: Expect a stronger emphasis on community initiatives, potentially partnering with local organizations to leave a positive legacy in the host city.
- Digital Innovation: Expect enhancements to the digital experience, including improved live streaming options, interactive fan engagement features, and potentially AR/VR experiences.
Conclusion: A Gathering of Excitement
Gather Round has quickly become a staple of the AFL calendar, offering a unique and exciting spectacle for fans and players alike. The anticipation for 2025 is immense, and whichever city is chosen, it's certain to be a memorable event, solidifying the Gather Round's position as a major highlight in the Australian sporting landscape. Only time will tell which city will be the next host, but one thing is for sure: the future of Gather Round is bright.
