AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is an iconic event, it brings in people from all over Australia who watch the sport, it is very important as in 2006 it put $36 million into the local economy.

The AFL Grand Final which was a one day celebration has turned into a six day event, influencing visitors from interstate to stay longer, spend longer, and socialize longer in Melbourne which is

also another boost to the economy thanks to the national sport.

This yearly event is great for communities as they get behind they're teams and support them wearing their teams jerseys, priding themselves in displaying their team colours and coming together to watch the event, not only those who go to watch it live, but those who watch it at home on the TV.

This year 2009, the AFL Grand Final has been able to put in even more money from tourists/visitors into the local economy, this is a very positive step into making Victoria have a better quality of life, promote the best interests of the community by putting on this event create

ting a good social impact, and by attracting more visitors so that they put money into local shops which promotes economic growth in turn.

As well as coverage Nationally, the game was televised internationally.

Some ticket prices range up to $1,300 or more depending on the packages, $160 for a standard adult ticket.

This year it was Geelong Cats vs St Kilda Saints, Geelong won by 12 points 80- 68 to end the game a 4th quarter, in a show stopping event which means that Geelong had won 2 out of 3 years, last year losing to Hawthorn Hawks. Mark Thompson the coach for Geelong was riveted by this great win.

The negative aspect to the AFL Grand Final is the economic strain it places on Melbourne, both in over stretched policing, road authorities and emergency services. The Melbourne major events team works closely with the AFL to make sure this strain is as minimal as possible, the economic benefits of national and global broadcasting as well as sponsorship and merchandising opportunities, not to mention the influx in visitors from interstate to the city of Melbourne all injecting money into the local hospitality economy far out way the negative economic aspects.

Next year will be even bigger, with more and more people being drawn to the sport as I have been, I'm hoping to make it to Melbourne and hopefully support my team the Geelong Cats at another massive event the AFL Grand Final 2010.

Site of interest:

http://www.afl.com.au

Picture (Sources)

First picture: Zimbio

Second Picture: Zimbio

Third Picture: AFL Official website