The roar of a packed Adelaide Oval, a spectacular helicopter trophy delivery, live rock from South Australian favourites The Superjesus and a full day of family entertainment are set to create an unforgettable backdrop for Sunday’s 2026 Hostplus SANFL Grand Final.
With a combined 67 premierships between them, Norwood and Sturt will renew one of South Australian football’s most celebrated rivalries, as thousands of fans descend on Adelaide Oval for the season’s ultimate showdown.
Setting the tone for the afternoon, iconic South Australian band The Superjesus will rock Adelaide Oval from 1:35pm before a moment sure to draw eyes skyward, with the Thomas Seymour Hill Premiership Trophy arriving in spectacular fashion via helicopter before being delivered to the centre of the stadium.
Getting to Adelaide Oval will be easy, with free public transport available on regular Adelaide Metro services with a SANFL Grand Final matchday ticket. Adelaide Oval Express bus and train services will operate after the match for up to 45 minutes from the final siren.
Long before the opening bounce, Adelaide Oval and its surrounds will transform into a football festival, with entertainment, interactive activities and family-friendly experiences spread throughout the precinct.
Families can make a day of it and enjoy the different activity zones around the stadium, starting with the walk over the footbridge to the Entertainment Zone on the Southern Plaza. Here you’ll find free tribe face painters, SANFL club mascots, a range of SANFL partner activations packed with interactive experiences, giveaways, and even the chance to try your hand at umpiring with VR goggles.
There’s more fun to be found in the Family and Kid’s Zones on the eastern side of the ground with SANFL inflatables, E-games with gaming stations, a giant SANFL Guess Who game and a SANFL Grand Final branded colouring wall in the Kids Zone near the Victor Richardson Gates.
Fans can also get their hands on the crowd-favourite 2026 Tommy lapel pins, miniature replica premiership cups available for purchase for $5. Part proceeds from every pin sold will be donated to The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
Inside the ground, the Lyn Fullston Lawns will feature a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere with a chill-out area, giant interactive lawn games, putt-putt, an inflatable handball target and a Powerade bucket hat giveaway.
If acoustic music and socialising out the back of the members stand is more your style, make sure you check out Tommy’s Garden Bar on the Village Green lawns. The popular spot will feature an acoustic duo, a giant screen to watch the action live, food trucks and plenty of Grand Final photo opportunities.
The West End Sports Bar on the eastern concourse is set to be a popular gathering spot throughout the day, where fans can enjoy a favourite beer, soak up the Grand Final atmosphere and get their hands on a free West End cap.
Once the final siren sounds, the party is only just getting started. The ‘Play On’ Grand Final After Party, presented by The Advertiser, will transform the Southern Concourse into a vibrant celebration from 6pm to 8pm.
With high bars, ambient lighting and Fresh 92.7’s DJ Sanchez & Digz keeping the energy high, fans can enjoy appearances from players and the premiership cup on the main stage, pick up club merchandise and indulge in a range of food and beverage offerings. Whether you’re celebrating a flag or commiserating with fellow supporters, it’s the perfect place to soak up the final moments of Grand Final day, with free entry for all ticket holders.
The SANFL Grand Final isn’t the only football action on the day. Adelaide Oval gates open at 8:45am with the SANFL Futures U17s game showcasing some of South Australia’s emerging football talent from 9am, before the Reserves Grand Final between South Adelaide and Glenelg gets underway at 11am.
Around a thousand SANFL junior premiership players will be celebrated during half-time with a lap of honour around Adelaide Oval. The Festival of Football also includes a Hostplus SANFL Retiring Player Presentation at quarter time, recognising players who have contributed to the game across their careers.
The AAMI Dash for Cash at three-quarter time will see the fastest boy and fastest girl from each club in the AAMI Talent League Under 18s competition race for bragging rights.
Before the first ball is bounced and the rivalry resumes, Taylor Schwartz, Patrick Longden, Duncan Carmichael and Kym Apacible will perform the Australian National Anthem, creating another memorable moment in a day packed with SANFL tradition and spectacle.
Tickets start at $36 for adults when pre-purchased, while concession tickets are $26 and under-18s enter free.
From emerging stars and retiring champions to live music, family entertainment, a helicopter cup arrival and one of the SANFL’s great rivalries playing out on the biggest stage, Sunday’s Grand Final promises to showcase South Australian football at its very best. Whether you’re there for the game, the atmosphere or the celebrations afterwards, Adelaide Oval is set for one unforgettable day.
2026 Hostplus SANFL Grand Final
When: Sunday, September 20th. Gates Open 8:45am, SANFL Futures Game 9am, Reserves Grand Final 11am, Hostplus SANFL Grand Final 2:30pm
Where: Adelaide Oval
Price: From $36
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
