How to Set Up the Ultimate Backyard BBQ Zone for the AFL and NRL Grand Finals

Author: Sasha Halabi  Date Posted:16 September 2025 

SNS Kettle Grill loaded with sausages, chicken wings, steaks, burgers, corn, and capsicum, showcasing multi-zone cooking on upper and lower grates.

The AFL and NRL Grand Finals are more than just games. They are a reason to bring your mates together, enjoy great food, and create memories in the backyard.

With the AFL Grand Final happening in late September and the NRL Grand Final following on October 5, you have two weekends to host an unforgettable footy experience. It all starts with how you set up your backyard BBQ zone.

Here’s how to turn your space into the ultimate footy viewing and feasting area.

1. Choose the Right Spot for Your BBQ Gear

  • Your BBQ setup should be central but not in the way. You want to stay part of the action while keeping the smoke and heat away from your guests.
  • Position your spit roaster, smoker, or Parrilla on a flat, open surface. Ensure you have good airflow and enough space to move around safely.

Flaming Coals Offset Smoker with open lids showing pork cuts smoking alongside a drip tray, thermometer probes, gloves, and tools on the front shelf.

  • Keep all your charcoal, firelighters, tools, and accessories nearby and neatly stored.
  • A folding table next to your BBQ makes a great prep and carving station. Have foil trays, tongs, serving boards, and carving knives ready before your guests arrive.

2. Set Up a Viewing Area Everyone Can Enjoy

  • While the food is important, the game is still the main event. Make sure your TV or projector screen is positioned under cover and raised to eye level.
  • Arrange your seating so everyone has a clear view. Use fold out chairs, milk crates with cushions, or outdoor lounges. Lay out extra rugs or picnic blankets for kids.
  • Make sure your sound setup can handle the crowd. A Bluetooth speaker or soundbar helps keep the energy up without cranking the TV volume.
  • Cover everything with a marquee or position under a pergola in case the weather turns.

3. Create a Self-Serve Food and Drinks Station

  • Set up your food station so guests can help themselves. This saves you from making constant trips to the kitchen or fridge.
  • Use trays to organise meat, rolls, sauces, salads, and sides. Keep cold food fresh in chilled tubs or esky inserts. Have foil trays or warming dishes near your BBQ or fire pit to keep things hot.

Flaming Coals Cyprus Spit loaded with skewers of marinated meat and vegetables, with extra skewers resting on a tray below the rotisserie grill

  • Set up a separate drinks station using coolers or tubs filled with ice. Include cups, bottle openers, and bin bags nearby so guests can look after themselves.
  • Keep carving shovels and tongs within reach of your spit so you're not scrambling mid-game.

4. Keep the Crowd Comfortable and Entertained

  • Footy finals can get chilly once the sun goes down, so be sure to set the atmosphere and keep guests warm and engaged.
  • Light a fire in a Flaming Coals fire pit to add warmth and keep the vibe going. Use lanterns, decorative lighting, or LED spotlights to create visibility and mood.

Modern black firepit with a bright wood fire burning at a campsite, set in front of a tent, camp chair, and picnic table among tall pine trees.

  • If you're feeling extra, set up a casual games area with a footy target, table tennis, or darts board to keep everyone entertained before the match and at half time.
  • Lastly, to satisfy the kids who are around, set up a low-key corner with snacks, beanbags, or drawing sheets to keep them happy while the adults watch the game.

5. Make Clean-Up and Reset Easy

  • If you're hosting for both finals weekends, make cleaning up and reset as easy as possible.
  • Use disposable trays, biodegradable plates, and napkins to simplify the mess. Keep a few garbage bags and paper towels on hand for quick clean-ups during the night.
  • After the AFL Grand Final, pack your gear down straight away, wipe surfaces, and restock supplies. That way, you’re good to go again quicker than ever. 
  • Refill your charcoal, replace anything that ran out, and get your drinks back on ice. You’ll be ready to fire up all over again.

Your Backyard, Your Finals HQ

The AFL and NRL Grand Finals are onre of the biggest sporting weekends of the year. Give them the backyard experience they deserve. From a smart gear layout to a well stocked drinks station and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, your setup can make the difference between a decent get together and a weekend your mates won't stop talking about.

If you're missing something or your current setup needs an upgrade, we’ve got you covered. From charcoal BBQs to fire pits, smokers, pizza ovens, and every accessory in between.

Get the gear that makes entertaining easy.

Visit www.flamingcoals.com.au to shop the full range.