For the first time AFL’s history, the 2020 AFL grand final will not be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and will instead be held at the Gabba in Brisbane on October 24.
The AFL grand final has been played at the MCG since 1991, yet following the ongoing lockdown restrictions in Melbourne, has been moved to the Sunshine State.
The Seven Network, owner of the AFL broadcast rights, has welcomed the AFL’s decision.
Seven CEO and MD James Warburton said: “The Grand Final at the Gabba is the culmination of an incredible season of collaboration with the AFL.
“Together we’ve been able to deliver a top-quality broadcast schedule in a season like no other, and it’s a
testament to the strength of our partnership that the fans have continued to see great footy throughout.”
Managing director Seven Melbourne and head of network Sport Lewis Martin commented: “We applaud the AFL’s decision to play the 2020 Grand Final at the Gabba. It’s just reward for the way Queensland has stood up in the competition’s season of need and will also ensure – on the back of another Lions’ finals push and the Suns’ rise in 2020 – that footy continues to go from strength to strength in the Sunshine State.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the incredible effort of the clubs to keep the season on track and now on the verge of a thrilling finals series. At Seven, we’ll roll our sleeves up and get ready to deliver an AFL Grand Final of epic proportions to all Australians, one that will be part of a truly historic day of sport that also features the 100th running of the iconic Cox Plate.”
Planning and preparation have been ongoing at Seven for the various possible Grand Final locations and
scenarios that arose.
Seven will announce more details of its grand final broadcast in the coming weeks.
