This year’s AFL grand final will be the first to be held at night.

On Friday, the AFL confirmed the 2020 decider, to be held at the Gabba on Saturday, October 24, will begin at 6.30pm local time – 7.30pm AEDT.

AFL general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said the start time accommodated broadcasters and pre-match entertainment, while also factoring in daylight savings times for fans around the country.

With shorter quarters this year, Auld expected the grand final to be wrapped up and the 2020 premier to be crowned just before 10pm AEDT.

“Historically a really special part of grand final day is the build-up and anticipation, and we want to ensure we can share the electricity and atmosphere of the night with as many people as possible around the country,” he said.

“A night grand final is sure to be a fantastic spectacle for both the fans in stadium and the millions watching around the country and overseas.”

The AFL grand final has traditionally been held at 2.30pm Melbourne time.