Up to 40,000 football fans are expected in Fremantle to take in the Dockers’ shot at grand final glory in the club’s heartland.
There were incredible street scenes after Friday’s preliminary final victory as thousands of footy fans poured into the club’s heartland to celebrate together, and the City of Fremantle has doubled down with even more planned road closures and free watch zones for the big game this Saturday.
The local council will open four outdoor sites, including one at the usually busy intersection of Market and High streets alongside the National Hotel.
Other live sites with big screens will include the Cappuccino Strip, Walyalup Koort and Esplanade Reserve, while Fremantle Oval’s watch party is already a sell-out for 10,000 people.
Dozens of venues across Fremantle, including The National and The Federal hotels, are also holding ticketed events, with the pubs confirming sales have been very strong.
A City of Fremantle alert said they were planning for a purple army of up to 40,000 across the day.
Many of Fremantle’s roads will be closed from midday on Friday, such is the magnitude of the transformation and anticipation ahead of converting the city centre to one giant watch party and celebration zone.
The State Government has also made public transport free across Perth on Saturday and is putting on extra trains in and out of Fremantle.
“We expect Freo to draw significant numbers, the South Fremantle watch party has just been doubled to 10,000 from 5000, and we know that Fremantle is looking at other activations across the city,” acting Premier Rita Saffioti said.
“I think Saturday is going to be huge. I really do, and in particular around Freo. There will be the pub events, and there’ll also be more family-friendly events.
“This will be a big day for WA, and we want to make sure that Western Australians, who are keen supporters or who just love the game are able to watch it in a safe and happy environment, be part of something special, and let’s see how we go on Saturday.”
Saturday is also the opening day of the Perth Royal Show, drawing plenty of non-football fans onto the Fremantle train line.
Outside of Fremantle, watch parties are expected at Yagan Square in Northbridge and outside Optus Stadium.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails