Just like the general public did, Novatech embraced the highly anticipated inaugural AFL Gather Round that was held in Adelaide in April 2023. With their exceptional expertise and cutting-edge equipment, Novatech played a pivotal role in creating functional & engaging experiences for attendees and viewers alike across several aspects of the event.
To begin proceedings, a collaboration between Novatech, TLA, and Mushroom Creative, brought together 300 VIP guests for an unforgettable Welcome dinner at the prestigious Penfolds Magill Estate Winery. Novatech, who was responsible for the technical production of the event, used creative lighting to meticulously craft the ambience along with distributed audio systems to ensure that every aspect of the event ran flawlessly including the highlight set by Adelaide’s own Guy Sebastian. The result was a magical evening filled with elegance & entertainment set amongst the rich history of the home ground of Grange.
In addition to the Welcome dinner, Novatech were heavily involved at the iconic Adelaide Oval, the site for the majority of the matches played during Gather Round. Pre-game entertainment was designed to deliver a different experience for the tens of thousands of excited fans as they waited to see their teams take the field. With world-class acts such as Peking Duk and The Veronicas gracing the stage, Novatech’s expertise in sound, lighting and staging brought the performances to life, electrifying the atmosphere and setting the tone for an unforgettable game of football.
Novatech also provided the technical production for the Fox Footy stage on the Hill, where live commentary & pre/post-game analysis was beamed directly back into the homes of fans. This unique hosting spot was complimented by bespoke lighting and audio systems to ensure the broadcast went smoothly regardless of the time of day and weather conditions and allowed fans to watch live television in production close-up.
The Gather Round weekend concluded on a high note as Novatech, in collaboration with Nexstage Staging & Rigging, supplied the technical equipment for the AFL Sunday Footy Show at the Riverbank Lawns on the edge of the River Torrens. This long-time fan favourite among footy enthusiasts was designed in conjunction with teams from JAM TV and the Nine Network to ensure a suitable platform for the broadcast of the show both for the live and at-home audience.
“We are incredibly proud to have been part of the inaugural AFL Gather Round event,” said Leko Novakovic, Managing Director of Novatech. “Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event, from the Welcome dinner to the pre-game entertainment and beyond, was executed flawlessly. It was a privilege to contribute to such a prestigious event in the world of Australian football and one that will call Adelaide home for years to come.”
Building upon the resounding triumph of the inaugural AFL Gather Round event in Adelaide, the decision to bring the event back to the city signifies the immense popularity and positive reception it received from fans, participants, and the wider community. The AFL’s commitment to Adelaide as a host city reflects the region’s vibrant atmosphere and passionate support for the sport. As Novatech looks ahead to the upcoming Gather Round events in Adelaide, they remain committed to delivering extraordinary experiences and pushing the limits of technical production, ensuring that every event they are a part of leaves a lasting impression.
Images by David Solm & Moments with Rookie
