Should the 2020 AFL Grand Final Be Held at the MCG or an Alternative Venue?

The AFL Grand Final, a highly anticipated event, has been a focal point of Australian football for decades. The current debate is whether the 2020 AFL Grand Final should be held at the MCG or an alternative venue. Given the current health situation in Melbourne, the question arises: is the MCG still the best location? Let's explore the potential alternatives and their pros and cons.

The MCG: The AFL's Traditional Home

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has hosted countless AFL Grand Finals, often under contract. The MCG is the spiritual home of the AFL and holds a revered place in Australian sports history. However, as the pandemic rages on, holding the Grand Final at the MCG faces significant challenges. Due to the potential outbreak in Melbourne, the venue might not be a viable option. This decision is not only about logistics but also about public health and safety.

Potential Alternatives

The Best Stadium Option: Perth Stadium

The Perth Stadium stands out as the premier alternative venue. With a capacity of 60,000 and advanced facilities, Perth Stadium offers a state-of-the-art experience for AFL fans. Additionally, the Perth Stadium boasts the largest AFL following outside of Melbourne, making it a more natural fit for the event. Here are the key advantages:

Packed stadiums: With a large capacity, Perth Stadium guarantees a vibrant atmosphere, replicating the tradition of the Grand Final. State-of-the-art facilities: The stadium offers modern amenities, ensuring a top-notch event experience. Scalability: Perth Stadium is capable of hosting the entire Grand Final series, making it an ideal location for a multi-day event. Image projection: Playing the AFL Grand Final in Perth would present a superior image to the global audience, showcasing the city's vibrant community. Peak ratings: An afternoon game in Perth would align with the peak ratings period, maximizing viewership.

Adelaide Oval: A Close Second

The Adelaide Oval is another strong contender with a capacity of 55,000. While it lacks some of the advanced facilities of Perth Stadium, it still offers a decent alternative. Its simpler design and smaller AFL following make it less favorable compared to Perth but still a viable option. The key points for Adelaide Oval are:

Sizes and capacity: Slightly smaller than Perth, but still sufficient for a grand event. Local AFL support: While not as significant as Perth, it still has a dedicated following. Transport logistics: The stadium is closer to the city center and offers better transport options, reducing travel time for fans.

Sydney's Olympic Stadium

Sydney's Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, is a significant option. However, the stadium has faced criticism for its facilities, which are not ideal for long-term use. Here are the pros and cons:

Capacity: It can accommodate a large crowd. Transport hub: Sydney is a major transport hub, making it easy for fans to reach the venue. Weather concerns: Sydney's weather can be unpredictable, posing a challenge during the event. Public perception: It may not be seen as the best representation of the AFL to the global audience.

Brisbane’s Gabba Stadium: Future Reconstruction

The Gabba, located in Brisbane, has a capacity of 50,000. However, the stadium is slated for reconstruction, making it a compelling future venue. Currently, it is seen as the favorite for the following reasons:

Fiscal incentives: Queensland is offering significant financial incentives to hold the event. Geographical advantage: Brisbane's eastern location makes it a preferred hub for transporting fans. Western Australia's caution: AFL teams prefer not to play in Perth, and Brisbane offers a more appealing alternative. Already considered a hub: Brisbane is serving as a transport hub, which could be expanded for the event. Event boost: An AFL Grand Final in Brisbane could significantly boost the state's profile in the sports world.

Conclusion

Given the current conditions and potential alternatives, it seems that Perth Stadium is the best location for the 2020 AFL Grand Final. It offers the largest capacity, modern facilities, and the largest AFL following outside of Melbourne. Additionally, it ensures a vibrant atmosphere and aligns with peak ratings periods. However, logistical and public health considerations must be carefully evaluated to ensure that the event is both safe and successful. With the Gabba set for future reconstruction, it could also serve as a compelling alternative in the future.