That One Day in September: AFL Grand Final Day Celebrations 2014
Love it or loathe it, an obsession with AFL is as big a part of Melbourne identity as catching a tram up Swanston Street or listening to Paul Kelly on a road trip. This Saturday’s Grand Final event at the MCG puts our city into a pie-and-beer fuelled shutdown for a good 12 hours that’s worth celebrating, even if your team isn’t playing ‘the big one’. In today’s blog, we suggest an array of ways to enjoy the AFL Grand Final – at home, at the ‘G itself or at friendly Bayside venues.
AFL Activations and Post-Grant Final Fun
If you were lucky enough to grab tickets to the AFL Grand Final, you’ll be fortunate to see the Hawks face-off against their great rivals the Sydney Swans – and you’ll also be treated to some spectacular pre-game entertainment from Sir Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran. No ticket? No worries! The AFL is holding an array of free Grand Final activations, including the famous AFL Grand Final Parade. See you favourite teams in their last appearance before the big kick-off, in addition to the Grand Final Umpires and the Brownlow Medallist of 2014. The parade begins at the Arts Centre at noon on Friday before winding its way to the Old Treasury building by 1pm for a bit of an ‘Up There Cazaly’ sing-along. Nothing’s more Melbourne than that! After the game on Saturday, all-comers are welcome to the MCG to enjoy a free celebration concert featuring Sir Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran performing an array of their best-loved songs – a fun way to enjoy the energy of a jubilant crowd if you haven’t tickets to the game itself.
Keep It Local
Prefer to stay away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet bevvy with a few mates at your local? Many Bayside pubs have special events to celebrate the AFL Grand Final match, including the Elsternwick Hotel on Brighton Road – offering a half-time BBQ and entertainment after the game.
Of course, you might be having your own Grand Final celebration at home with friends. The Grand Final itself will be televised on channel 7 from 1pm, Saturday 27th of September. Grab a few gourmet pies and ‘coldies’ or try out the special Taste.com.au Footy Finals menu – sure to kick a goal with guests at your place. If you’re indulging in a few frothy alcoholic beverages to cheer on your favourite team, ensure that you (and any guests you host) have a safe mode of transport home from celebrations.