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Watching the AFL Finals in Adelaide: Fan Zones, Clubs and Where to Gather
When September rolls around and the AFL finals begin, Adelaide transforms into a city of shared passion, with venues and community spaces right across the metro area buzzing with supporters.
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There is nothing quite like finals season in an AFL city, and Adelaide delivers the experience in full every September. Whether the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide are involved in the race for the premiership, the city becomes electric as the finals series unfolds, and supporters gather in pubs, clubs, fan zones and living rooms all across the metropolitan area to follow every match together.
Adelaide Oval is the natural heart of the action when either South Australian club hosts a final. The Oval's capacity and atmosphere make it one of the most sought-after venues on the finals circuit, and tickets for home finals are in enormous demand. For those who cannot secure a seat, the city's sporting clubs and licensed venues set up large screens and create a communal viewing experience that captures much of the same energy. The atmosphere in a packed pub or sporting club during a tense final quarter is something that brings the community together in a unique way.
Community sporting clubs are among the best places to watch finals in Adelaide. Many football clubs, RSL clubs and community organisations open their doors for finals viewing events, setting up big screens in their function rooms or outdoor areas. These events are often free or very low cost for members and guests, and they offer a friendly, family-oriented environment that is quite different from a busy city venue. Checking with your local club in the weeks leading up to the finals is the easiest way to find out what is on near you.
The SANFL also runs its own finals competition over the same period, with South Australian district clubs competing for the SANFL Premiership at Adelaide Oval. SANFL finals draw genuine crowds and provide an accessible and affordable alternative for supporters who cannot make it to the AFL finals in Melbourne or who simply prefer to support their local district club. Tickets to SANFL finals are available through the SANFL website and are very affordably priced.
For families watching at home, the AFL finals are broadcast free-to-air on Channel 7 as well as on Fox Footy and Kayo, with extensive pre- and post-match coverage. Triple M Adelaide and ABC radio provide ball-by-ball commentary for those who want to listen in. However you choose to follow the action, finals season in Adelaide is a time when the whole city leans in together, making it one of the most enjoyable and community-spirited times of the sporting year.
Sources: Adelaide Oval SANFL official site