South Australian government pushing to keep AFL Gather Round in Adelaide

With the AFL's Gather Round set to kick off next week in Adelaide, negotiations are under way to keep the event in South Australia long-term. 

Premier Peter Malinauskas met with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon on Tuesday to put forward the case for Adelaide to remain the permanent host for the event. 

However, Dillon remained non-committal, stating that further investment in infrastructure, particularly the Barossa Park facility, is crucial for the event's viability. 

READ MORE: 'Not on my watch': PM's message for Trump on eve of biggest tariff threat

"They are discussions that the premier and I will have," he said.

While the Gather Round contract expires next year, Adelaide is currently gearing up for next week's event, with the Norwood Food and Wine Festival serving as a warm-up act. 

The festival, a resounding success last year, promises to be even bigger this year, with Australian rock band Birds of Tokyo headlining.

Next Sunday, thousands of fans watching the GWS versus St Kilda game will stream out of the local oval, and into a street party, providing a massive cash injection for businesses in Norwood.

Six of the nine Gather Round matches are already sold out, even with a last-minute ticket drop this morning.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.