The Brisbane Lions will adopt a distinctly Chinese flavour for their big clash against the Melbourne Demons this Saturday night at the Gabba.
The reason for the ‘oriental orientation’ is that the game will be a preview of the Shanghai Showdown - the first ever AFL exhibition game played in China - between these same two sides on Sunday 17 October, as part of the current Shanghai World Expo.
So not only are the Lions offering a week-long China Club Tour travelling, staying and socialising with the team for the Shanghai Showdown, but they've been ‘wokking’ on some match-day activities for this Saturday night:
Pre-game Gabba Gate 2 parklands activities from 5:30pm
AFL first-timers booth: Fans can get their photo taken with player cut-outs and receive a copy of the photo in a lanyard as a souvenir to take home from the game.
Lions marquee decorated with Chinese lanterns: Inside this marquee Chinese patrons will be greeted by Ambassadors who will explain the main rules of the game in Chinese and present them with a Welcome to the AFL pack.
Handball targets: Match-goers can have a try at handballing and kicking footys into the targets as a bit of fun before the game.
Chinese lion dancers will be weaving through the crowds in the park before entering onto the field prior to the start of the game.
There will also be an on-field display from members of Brisbane's Shaolin Kung Fu Guan Performance Team who will entertain with dynamic performances of skills made famous by China's legendary Shaolin Warrior Monks.
The team will entertain with animal styles of kung fu, Tai Chi and amazing feats of Qi Gong breaking. The team is made up of World, Oceania, Australian and Queensland Champions with the youngest performer being only eight years old.
The Shaolin Kung Fu Guan are the official representatives of the Shaolin Warrior Monks here in Australia. The team will look to inspire and welcome in good luck for the Brisbane Lions alongside the Chinese lion dancing commonly seen during Chinese New Year Festivals to bring good luck, prosperity and to ward off evil spirits.
For more information about this display:
Shaolin Kung Fu Guan - Official representatives of the Shaolin Warrior Monks.
www.shaolinkungfuguan.com.au
A Chinese Ambassador alongside our match-day MC will also welcome Chinese patrons to the Lions v Melbourne game, then explain the various pre and post-match activities and the basic rules of Australian Football in Mandarin.
After the game, everyone will be invited onto the field to experience all the fun and excitement of the 'kick-2-kick'. During this time, we will teach any keen Chinese attendees some basic AFL skills.
Please contact Ticketmaster to purchase tickets to the game:
www.ticketmaster.com.au
Tel: 1300 136 122
For more information about AFL and the Shanghai Showdown in Chinese, please visit www.51afl.com
SPECIAL ADVANCE EVENT
The Brisbane Lions and UQ Sport (University of Queensland Sport) also present... A FREE Australian Rules Football Skills Clinic for International Students.
Meet the players for photos and autographs, learn about the rules of the game and try your hand at the basic skills of Aussie Rules.
When: Thursday 29 July, 1pm-1:30pm
Where: The Great Court, UQ St Lucia
Who: Brisbane Lions stars Justin Sherman and Michael Rischitelli
