In fantastic news for footy fans, the local community and the visitor economy, Norwood Oval on South Australia’s Premier Main Street, The Parade, has once again been selected to host two matches in next year’s AFL Gather Round.
The Brisbane Lions will take on North Melbourne in a twilight match on Friday 5 April, while Richmond will go to head to head with St Kilda on the Sunday afternoon, 7 April 2024.
Mayor Robert Bria said the Council and the local community were absolutely ecstatic with the news.
“To say we have been waiting with anticipation is an understatement. Gather Round 2023 was an outstanding success for the Council, Norwood Football Club and the local community, so we are thrilled with the announcement,” he said.
“The vibe and excitement at Norwood Oval and along The Parade was electric this year, and I speak on behalf of thousands when I say…bring on Gather Round April 2024!”
Mayor Bria said the Council had been working on a range of exciting and engaging activities in the hope of securing matches for 2024.
“Over the next few weeks, the Council will be sharing details of these events which will not only please footy fans but also boost the local economy.”
Norwood Parade Precinct Committee Member, Mario Boscaini, who is also the Director of Boscaini Investments and owner of the Parade Central, Norwood along with this family, has urged all businesses to get on board and join in the events and excitement associated with Gather Round.
“To hear the news that Norwood Oval was successful in securing two matches for next year’s AFL Gather Round is a credit to the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council.
“I urge all businesses on The Parade to get behind this awesome event together with the return of the Norwood Food Festival to be held at the same time.”
Joshua Baldwin, the Principal and Executive Director of Munro real estate which is located on The Parade, also welcomed the announcement.
“As an engaged member of the Norwood Parade Precinct Committee as well as the Economic Development Committee, I am delighted with the AFL’s decision to have two Gather Round games at Norwood Oval in 2024.”
“This presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, to showcase the vibrancy and quality of our community once again.”
Mayor Bria said the 2023 Gather Round resulted in a direct injection of $2.25 million into the dining and entertainment sector in Norwood, so with these additional activities planned for 2024, the Council expects this figure to climb even further.
“The Council has been working behind the scenes organising events and activities since May in the hope of positive announcement by the AFL, so today’s news means we can now move forward with certainty to deliver a memorable ‘Football Festival’ on The Parade and throughout our City.
“The aim is to ensure the activities and events associated with the football go to another level of excellence to ensure we optimise this incredible opportunity,” he said.
