AFL Gather Round breaks more records to cement SA as events state

South Australia has once again demonstrated its prowess as the host of major events, with a record-breaking 270,018 fans attending the 2026 AFL Gather Round.

This surpasses last year’s record of 269,506.

This milestone attendance, achieved with 47,319 fans attending Port Adelaide vs St Kilda at Adelaide Oval last night, cements Gather Round’s status as a premier fixture on the national sporting calendar and a significant economic driver for the state.

There were huge crowds on the Parade at Norwood, with tens of thousands of South Australians and visitors enjoying the Norwood Food & Wine Festival into the night.

Breaking the record Gather Round attendance record for a second consecutive year is a direct result of the passion of footy fans, and the hospitality of South Australians, who have warmly welcomed visitors to bring Gather Round to life.

The four-day festival of football featured matches played at iconic venues — Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and Barossa Park, complemented by a packed schedule of entertainment, community events and fan experiences throughout Adelaide and its surrounding regions.

The event provided a platform for hotels, restaurants, bars and other venues throughout SA to showcase our state to the nation.

Further economic impact figures will be released in the coming months.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said it’s an absolute privilege for South Australia to have hosted the fourth edition of Gather Round.

“I’m pleased to report it has delivered another record attendance,” he said.

“More than 270 thousand people flocked to games at Adelaide Oval, Norwood and the Barossa, and many tens of thousands more attended associated events like the Norwood Food & Wine Festival and festivities in the Barossa.”

“Many of these people are visitors, who have spent their hard earned dollars in our local businesses, and will return home with stories to tell of their experiences.”

“They have done this despite significant economic headwinds brought about by the war in Iran.”

“I want to thank these fans for putting their faith in South Australia to host this magnificent event, and I want to thank South Australians for welcoming them with open arms.”