The AFL has unveiled the name and fixtures for the inaugural extra round to take place in South Australia.
'Gather Round... A festival of footy' is the confirmed name of the event that will see Adelaide host all nine games over one extended weekend.
It will all take place in Round 5, stretching from Thursday, April 13 to Sunday, April 16.
The concept was confirmed by AFL CEO Gil McLachlan and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas in October, with the famous Adelaide Oval to hold six of the nine matches.
The location of the remaining three games has now been confirmed, with Norwood Oval and Adelaide Hills to host matches.
The full schedule for the inaugural round is as follows:
| Date | Fixture | Time (AEST/Local) | Network | Venue |
| Thu, Apr 13 | Adelaide Crows vs. Carlton | 7:40 pm / 7:10 pm | Seven | Adelaide Oval |
| Fri, Apr 14 | Fremantle vs. Gold Coast Suns | 5:10 pm / 4:40 pm | Fox | Norwood Oval |
| Fri, Apr 14 | Richmond vs. Sydney Swans | 8:10 pm / 7:40 pm | Seven | Adelaide Oval |
| Sat, Apr 15 | Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne | 1:10 pm / 12:40 pm | Fox | Mt Barker Oval |
| Sat, Apr 15 | Essendon vs. Melbourne | 4:10 pm / 3:40 pm | Fox | Adelaide Oval |
| Sat, Apr 15 | Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs | 7:50 pm / 7:20 pm | Seven | Adelaide Oval |
| Sun, Apr 16 | Geelong Cats vs. West Coast Eagles | 1:10 pm / 12:40 pm | Fox | Adelaide Oval |
| Sun, Apr 16 | GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn | 3:20 pm / 2:50 pm | Seven | Norwood Oval |
| Sun, Apr 16 | Collingwood vs. St Kilda | 4:50 pm / 4:20 pm | Fox | Adelaide Oval |
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Following two COVID-19-ravaged seasons and a lack of travel for sport, McLachlan believes that his home state of South Australia is deserving to host the inaugural 'Gather Round'.
“Over the pandemic years, South Australia played a huge role in the survival of our game, so we’re pleased to be able to bring what I think is going to be a legacy event for our code to start here in Adelaide and South Australia,” McLachlan said in October.
“We are looking forward to not only bringing nine great matches for premiership points to South Australia, but also a party-like atmosphere, filled with fan activations, family-friendly events, music, entertainment, community engagement, all designed to bring the city to life over the four days."
The concept of the 'Gather Round' was inspired by the NRL, who dub it as their 'Magic Round'.
Gather Round entertainment
The AFL revealed headline acts The Veronicas and Peking Duk for the upcoming Gather Round.
Peking Duk will kick of the inaugural weekend with a pre-match performance before the Adelaide and Carlton game on Thursday (April 13), while The Veronicas will take the stage on the Saturday (April 15) before the Port Adelaide-Western Bulldogs clash.
Both bands acknowledged the privilege they had in performing in the AFL's first Gather Round.
“We are so excited to be celebrating and bringing music to such an iconic sporting event. We can’t wait to hit the field with you all," The Veronicas said.
Peking Duk will be joined on stage by special guests Ben Woolner and Julia Stone (Australian folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist).
DJs Yo! Mafia, Emma Peters, Matt Sammut, Jesse, Louis F and Marc B will also be performing across the weekend at all three venues (Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and Mt Barker Oval - Adelaide Hills).
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers said it was exciting to have a host of great Australian artists part of the first-ever AFL Gather Round celebrations.
“The AFL is proud to have an incredible line up of award-winning artists in The Veronicas and Peking Duk along with six of the best Aussie DJs entertain fans as part of our Gather Round celebrations,” Ms Rogers said.
“Not only do we have a host of amazing matches for fans to get excited about, but we have heaps of FREE family friendly activities that fans of all ages can enjoy, so we hope to see as many people there to soak up all the atmosphere.”
Fans will also be treated to a 150m long zip line that travels across the River Torrens as part of the four-day Pepsi Max Football Festival.
The footy festival will be held at the Elder Park and Pinky Flat precincts, which is walking distance to Adelaide Oval.
The entire round will be shown on big screens, while AFL and AFLW stars will appear to meet-and-greet fans during the extended weekend.
South Australia's best local vendors, food trucks and licensed bars will be on display with Pinky Flat, which is a designated 18+ zone.
AFL GM of Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers expressed her excitement about what's on offer for over "150,000 fans".
"More than 150,000 fans are expected to attend Gather Round matches, and now every South Australian will be able to join the festivities at the Pepsi Max Footy Festival," Rogers said.
“We are proud to bring the best of both the AFL and local SA vendors to provide four days of free activities for footy fans of all ages to soak up the atmosphere of Gather Round.”