Malinauskas Pushes for Long-Term AFL Gather Round Deal

0:00It's April 8th. This is Cindy News today, driven by AI. South Australia's premier Peter Malinowskas is ramping up efforts to lock in a long-term deal for the AFL Gather-Round event right here in the state. This year's the fourth time it's happening, but it's the last one locked in under the current three-year agreement from 2023. He's chatting directly with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to make it a fixture on the calendar. The Gather-Round kicks off Thursday, April 9th, through Sunday, April 12th, spread across three venues, including one in the Barossa Valley. Malinowskas says talks for an extension could wrap up in days, weeks, or even months, and he's playing it cool on any big news this weekend. Both leaders are hyped about the buzz. Hotel bookings are up from last year. Ticket sales are strong, and more fans are rolling in from interstate and airports. Even with past worries over fuel costs, federal cuts to excise and better supply have travelers feeling good. Dillon calls the negotiations complex but fruitful, pointing to solid broadcast ratings in interstate

1:04turnout as proof it works here. The premier is ready to pop more cash into innovations, like new spots in the Barossa, but only if the AFL commits for multiple years ahead. With metrics showing this event as big or bigger than before, expect those discussions to heat up soon. Having gather round of must hit on every. Footy fans list.