The 2020 Optus WAFL Grand Final will be played at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Sunday, 4 October 2020, seeing the competition’s main event returning to Fremantle for the first time in more than a century.
The WAFooty Commission sought expressions of interest from WAFL clubs to host the fixture, resulting in a competitive bidding process.
Two grounds, Leederville Oval and Fremantle Oval, presented compelling and highly competitive cases to the WAFC Board.
After assessing venue options and reviewing the proposals, the ground capacity, supporting attractions and financial investment were seen as key factors to adopting the City of Fremantle for the 2020 decider.
The ground will operate as a neutral venue to host the Simply Energy Colts, Optus Reserves and League Grand Finals across the day, with ticketing, changeroom allocation and commercial arrangements to be distributed evenly across the competing clubs based on their qualification for the Grand Final.
The WAFC has said it will work closely with the City of Fremantle to create the best possible event both inside and outside the ground, bringing in exciting activations for the public to enjoy, including live sites, kids’ entertainment and a parade throughout the surrounding streets.
WAFC Executive Manger – WAFL & Football Operations Scott Baker believes Fremantle Oval will provide the perfect stage for the WAFL’s biggest event of the year.
“It’s really exciting to see the Grand Final return to a WAFL venue in 2020,” he said.
“Due to financial constraints and only having the ability to host two games, Optus Stadium was not seen as a viable option in hosting this year’s Grand Final.”
He added : “The joint proposal by the City of Fremantle, the South Fremantle Football Club and local businesses will ensure this iconic WA sporting event creates a fantastic and memorable experience for WAFL fans.
“We look forward to working together to announce all the details of the event as they are finalised in the coming weeks.”
South Fremantle Football Club CEO Cameron Britt was also thrilled to be hosting the major event.
“The South Fremantle Football Club is incredibly proud to have supported the City of Fremantle, and the broader Fremantle business community, in bringing the 2020 Optus WAFL Grand Final to Fremantle Community Bank Oval,” he said.
He added: “We are thrilled by the decision, given the remarkably deep football roots that exist in Fremantle, plus the upside of having such a historic ground in the middle of a vibrant City with so many great venues and eateries for families and young people.
“Looking beyond the ground, it’s a whole of precinct and whole of City view. This WAFL Grand Final will be an event that captures the entire City in what will be considerable football festivities.”
Not surprisingly, Fremantle Mayor Dr Brad Pettitt said the City was delighted to be hosting WA football’s biggest day at the historic Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
“The Fremantle community takes great pride in our rich football history and heritage, so hosting the WAFL Grand Final at Fremantle Oval presents a wonderful opportunity to continue to support WAFL football and add to this heritage,” Mayor Pettitt said.
“I’m confident the Fremantle community and local businesses will embrace this event and make it a day for all footy fans to remember.”
“There will be lots of things to see and do before and after the game, so everyone should come on down, celebrate WA footy and have a great day out in Freo.”
Competing club members will have priority access to tickets, with allocation and pricing details to be confirmed as soon as possible.
The venue is still to be confirmed for the Optus WAFLW Grand Final on the weekend September 19/20.
