AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT), in conjunction with Activate Darwin, the Darwin Waterfront and City of Palmerston, is excited to announce two live site locations for the community to soak up the Toyota AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round hype that has gripped the Top End.
Big screens located at the Darwin Waterfront lawns and also at Goyder Square, Palmerston will live broadcast the highly anticipated game between the Gold Coast SUNS and Carlton on Friday night, as well as the Dreamtime in Darwin showpiece between Essendon and Richmond on Saturday.
With both games at TIO Stadium declared a sell-out under COVID-19 event protocols, the free live sites present another way for Top End footy fans to enjoy the moment with family and friends.
Activate Darwin has partnered with AFLNT to bring the live site to Darwin Waterfront and will also host an AFL in the City event at midday on Thursday, in partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS; which includes a chance to win tickets to the SUNS vs Carlton match.
Those who head to the Waterfront on either Friday or Saturday night will have plenty of takeaway food and drink options to pick from. See https://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/beach-club for a full list of restaurants.
On Friday night, the Goyder Square event will coincide with the popular Palmerston Markets, with members of the community able to take full advantage of all the usual market delights while tuning into the footy action.
And the good times continue on Saturday, with The City of Palmerston taking the hassle out of cooking and organising food trucks for those who get along to watch the big game.
Supporters at either location are free to wear their team colours and show support for the biggest NT sporting events of the year.
Picnics are welcome at both sites. However, glass and BYO alcohol is not permitted. The Waterfront does allow patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages with food from their licensed venues.
AFLNT CEO Stuart Totham said the live sites would provide another way for the community to be part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
"We are excited to partner with Activate Darwin and the Darwin Waterfront, as well as the City of Palmerston for this initiative and thank all parties for offering this experience to the broader community.
"A lot of hard work is going into making the games at TIO Stadium a culturally rich and unique experience that will translate to TV audiences right across Australia. Anyone who gets along to watch it on the big screen at the Waterfront or Goyder Square will enjoy it.
"We also remind people that there are no tickets available for purchase on the gate. To avoid disappointment and the expected traffic congestion, please steer clear of the Marrara sporting precinct if you can and enjoy the footy with your picnic, family and friends," he said.
Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell welcomed the occasion.
“We are delighted to be partnering with AFL Northern Territory to bring live streamed AFL to Palmerston. Sport is known to enhance social and cultural inclusion by bringing together individuals and communities. The 2020 Toyota Sir Doug Nicholls Round, in particular, will be a fantastic celebration of Indigenous footballers and their contribution to football.
"Palmerston is a Place for People, so we hope to see our community bring a picnic down to Goyder Square to enjoy the games," she said.
Darwin Waterfront Events and Marketing Manager, Paola McCarthy said the free events would have a celebratory feel.
“The Darwin Waterfront is proud to partner with AFLNT to broadcast these games for locals to enjoy in a public space for free.
“The events create a new experience for the Darwin community to come together and celebrate these national footy games being played locally.
“The Waterfront is the perfect venue for families who want to enjoy the game in a relaxed environment with the convenience of having takeaway dinner and drinks from surrounding restaurants.
“We have the whole family’s dinner sorted with takeaways ranging from pizzas to salads, and burgers to tacos," she said.
Both sites are accessible-friendly and are equipped with all the essential amenities and security needs.
COVID-19 protocols will be in effect, and attendees are asked to maintain social distancing and good hygiene. Anyone feeling unwell is requested to please stay home.