AFL rematch causes planning chaos - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

AFL rematch causes planning chaos

Michelle Draper 27/09/2010 01:20:07 PM Comments (0)

Weddings, home auctions and retail outlets could be the losers from this weekend's AFL grand final as the rematch throws event scheduling into chaos.

Around 585 Victorian auctions were originally listed for the post-final weekend, but that number could dwindle this week as vendors struggle with jitters amid the prospect of facing off against the first grand final replay since 1977.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria spokesman Robert Larocca said only about 50 auctions were scheduled from 2.30pm (AEST) onwards, but decisions on whether more than 500 auctions should go ahead would be made individually.

"We'll find out as the week goes on how many (auctions) are shifted or moved," he told AAP.

"There's no doubt that agents are saying that they are very concerned going up live against the grand final."

Melbourne shopping malls are also likely to be deserted for the second consecutive weekend as millions tune into broadcasts of the St Kilda-Collingwood clash.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said while cafes, restaurants and bars could benefit from the rematch, clothing retailers could suffer.

"It's a time when retailers find things go a bit quiet," he said.

Fans buying grand final tickets or organising catering for parties and barbecues would also be spending money that might otherwise be splurged on retail, Mr Zimmerman said.

The replay would also cause upheaval for weddings scheduled for Saturday, International College of Celebrancy principal Dally Messenger said.

"There will be heaps of people postponing weddings, there will be lots of people unwillingly going to weddings that they can't dodge," the celebrant told AAP.

"It really sends the whole wedding world into chaos."

Mr Messenger said while people often avoided planning weddings on grand final day, "the week after, that's when they open the gates".

The rescheduled game has prompted organisers of the musical Hairspray, set to open in Melbourne this Saturday night, to push back its red carpet arrivals event by one hour to 8pm.

The Spring Racing Carnival launch which was scheduled for this Wednesday at the MCG has been pushed back one week to allow for grand final preparations.

Port Phillip Council has confirmed it will again screen the big game at O'Donnell Gardens next to Luna Park, where a large crowd gathered to cheer the Saints to its stunning draw with the Magpies last Saturday.

However, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, which hosted thousands of Collingwood fans, will be unavailable as it is taken over by the Parklife music festival.

The AFL expects to announce its reorganised pre-match entertainment line up on Wednesday, AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said.

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