South Australia will continue to host some of the best international and Australian athletes over the coming weeks, with a range of top-shelf events locked in throughout April and May.
The economic benefits are set to continue for the hospitality and tourism sectors following the enormous success of the AFL’s second Gather Round held in early April.
First out of the starting blocks is the pinnacle event of Australian track and field, the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships, held at the SA Athletics Stadium from 11–19 April.
The largest annual athletics event in Australia and the Oceania region will attract more than 3500 athletes, coaches, families and friends, and takes on an extra significance given that athletes will be aiming to cement their spot on the Australian Olympic or Paralympic team travelling to the Paris 2024 Games.
Just a quick sprint across the city, the four-day Adelaide Equestrian Festival – the largest in Australia – will be held from 18-21 April in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi.
The only 5-star event of its kind in the southern hemisphere will feature more than 70 equestrian athletes and their impressive horses, as they also compete to secure a coveted place on the Australian Olympic team and take on the world in Paris in July.
With 30,000 spectators last year, and with additional family-friendly activations and entertainment this year, numbers are expected to grow, with the benefits to flow.
Next up to the tee is the second LIV Golf Adelaide tournament, to be played once more at Grange Golf Course following the phenomenal success of last year’s inaugural event.
The global recognition this tournament provides South Australia, along with the outstanding match play and around $65 million contribution to the state's economy, is extensive, and this year’s offering from 26-28 April is sold out and set to repeat the feat.
Then the scrum moves to Netball SA Stadium from 3-5 May for the 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship, featuring the best Australian and New Zealand athletes in the largest wheelchair rugby event in the southern hemisphere.
Often described as an exciting, end-to-end full-contact version of gridiron and basketball combined, ensuring enthralling viewing for fans and spectators alike, this tournament will also be a major selection competition to finalise the 12 athletes who will represent Australia at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
As if all that’s not enough, kicking off at Adelaide Oval on 31 May is Australia’s favourite team the Matildas, in an international friendly against reigning AFC Women’s Asian Cup champions China PR.
Following their success at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup and after selling out stadiums around Australia, Adelaide Oval will welcome the one millionth person to see the team at home since 2017.
This sold-out timeslot – some late-release tickets may become available – is the penultimate opportunity for fans to see Australia’s women’s national football team play on home soil prior to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With such an amazing array of options for sports fans, visitors and locals to choose from, it’s going to be a busy few weeks in South Australia, for athletes, attendees and local businesses.
Click for more information on the athletics championship, equestrian festival, LIV Golf Adelaide, wheelchair rugby and the Matildas.
