All 18 teams will head to South Australia for round five of the 2023 AFL season for a four-day festival of footy.
The AFL confirmed today that all nine matches of the round will be played in SA from Thursday April 13 to 16, which coincides with the school holidays.
It will be the first time that an entire round of an AFL premiership season has been played in the same location, and it extends the season out to 24 rounds in total and 23 matches per side.
While the venues are yet to be locked in, AFL.com.au's Damian Barrett is reporting that Adelaide Oval is set to host six of the nine matches, with Norwood's SANFL venue also in the running to host a game. A match in the Barossa Valley has also been mooted.
The AFL said Adelaide Oval will "feature heavily" in the schedule, but exact timings, match-ups and venues are yet to be confirmed.
Entry to competing club matches will be free for all club and AFL members.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the competition would look to move the concept around the country in coming years.
"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," Mr McLachlan said.
"Over the pandemic-challenged years, South Australia played an important role in the survival of our game, and we are so pleased to be able to bring this major football event into the state.
"School holidays are a great opportunity for families, and we will work with the SA Government to ensure we will have free experiences and activations at matches and around the city for all footy fans to come together.
"Our clubs, our players and coaches are excited to come together, put on a great show and engage with the local community and grassroots footy, all while showcasing the great state of South Australia.
"On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank Premier Malinauskas, who has really taken the lead on this project, along with everyone at the South Australian Government and all footy fans across the state – your passion for this project has been infectious and we look forward to putting on a great show for you all come April."
The concept of playing an entire round in one place stretches as far back as 2007, when English rugby league's competition held its first 'Magic Weekend'. The NRL has held its 'Magic Round' in Queensland since 2019.
