Grand final live site is on as council backflips
A LIVE site for the public to watch the grand final in Geelong on Saturday will go ahead after a council backflip.
Following strong public backlash, Geelong council will host a live site at St Mary’s Football Club oval in South Geelong from midday.
City of Greater Geelong councillor Anthony Aitken said the game would be broadcast live on a big screen.
“It is a victory for people power. The council group intervened and ensured that we could get a live site in Geelong,” Mr Aitken said.
“It will be at St Mary’s Football oval (on Saturday) – the same location as the family day on Sunday. If you want to celebrate en masse the best place in Geelong to do it will be at the live site at St Mary’s.”
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said it was clear the community wanted a live site.
“The feedback has been clear from the community this week that a live site was very important for those not lucky enough to have tickets to the game,” Mr Murrihy said.
“Having Geelong in the grand final is such a big event for the city and it will be great to have a place where Cats supporters can come together to watch and, hopefully, celebrate a victory.
“We know it’s short notice, but we hope to see a strong turnout at St Mary’s for what will be a special day.”
The free event will show a broadcast of the pre-game, the game and the post-game presentations. Council said four trucks would serve food and drinks at the site but parking or vehicle access to the Kardinia Park precinct won’t be available.
Footy fan Michelle Kelly said: “This is a good thing for them to do, and I thank you very much. Go Geelong.”
Robyn Kerdel said: “Well done CoGG; actually listening to the people.”
Owner of mobile cafe Sweet Sandy’s Cafe de
Wheels, Sandy Locke, said she was booked to service the live site on Saturday. “It seems council and others have bowed to public pressure. I can’t understand why it wasn’t in the plans earlier this week. We’ve all just been through Covid – we need this for the town.
“When Geelong makes the grand final the town buzzes.”
Mr Murrihy told the Addy on Thursday responsibility for organising a live site was a “grey area”.
“Ultimately is it a council responsibility? It seems it is a grey area as to whose responsibility it is,” Mr Murrihy said.