South Australia will host the AFL's Gather Round for at least the next three seasons.
The state government and the AFL confirmed the agreement on Sunday ahead of the final match of the inaugural four-day festival of football.
All nine round five matches were played in South Australia as the AFL introduced the concept previously seen in rugby league.
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Already considered a raging success as fans flocked to games at the Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and in the Adelaide Hills, the AFL and South Australian government were keen to capitalise on the momentum.
CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed the deal on Sunday, saying the plan is still to take the event around the country but to first establish it in South Australia.
“South Australia really turned it on. Gather Round and all the activity across the state, the nine matches, the footy festival and the community football engagement has been some of the best days and events the AFL has ever delivered,” McLachlan said.
“It has been a success because everyone in football got behind the idea, clubs, players, corporate partners and most importantly our fans, to deliver an extraordinary few days,
“While the concept has real momentum, and we plan on taking it to other states around the country, we also feel in order for it to be as successful in the other states we need to continue to build out the concept in South Australia."
McLachlan said the commitment would give organisers more time to plan and fans wishing to travel to the event would have greater certainty.
The AFL statement also confirmed they would be looking to host games in the Barossa and McClaren Vale regions next year.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas praised the impact of the event so far.
“The inaugural Gather Round has been a stunning success, in no small part thanks to the willingness of South Australians, and our interstate visitors, to show up," Malinauskas said.
“We know that this has delivered huge benefits for our state, and that is why I’m so pleased to see it return for the next three years.”
“With more time to plan, we know we can make Gather Round even bigger and better than what it has already become.”
“I want to thank Gillon McLachlan, the AFL, wider footballing community, public servants, councils and others who’ve all worked so hard to deliver such an amazing event in just a few months.”
“But most of all, I want to thank each and every person who showed up.”
“This agreement is because of you.”
