The club’s preparations for its historic return to its former home ground of Adelaide Oval have been given a significant boost after being awarded a number of appealing timeslots across its 11 games at the ground.
But Power fans will also be given the opportunity to enjoy all the Port Adelaide action from the comfort of their lounge rooms when the club plays interstate, with a number of prime viewing slots.
Port Adelaide will open its 2014 campaign with a Sunday night match against Carlton at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on March 16.
The Power will also close its home calendar against the Blues in Round 22 with a Friday night blockbuster at Adelaide Oval on August 22.
There is plenty of incentive for prospective members to swoop on an 11-game membership with the club next year, with a number of traditional Victorian clubs and high-quality opponents scheduled to play the Power at its new home ground.
As reported earlier this month, Port Adelaide will host the first ever AFL game at the newly developed Oval in Showdown XXXVI against Adelaide on Saturday March 29, commencing at 4:10pm in the popular Saturday Twilight timeslot.
It is an all-but-guaranteed sell out, with a Port Adelaide 11-game reserved season ticket or Essential Power membership the only way to ensure a seat at the most significant match at Adelaide Oval next year.
But that won’t be the only match to generate significant interest at South Australia’s new home of football. The Adelaide Oval program will continue to offer plenty of fantastic ‘themed’ opportunities throughout the season.
It gets underway straight after the Showdown when Port hosts the Brisbane Lions in Round 4 on Saturday April 12 at 2:10pm.
It will serve as a significant opportunity for the club to commemorate the 10-season anniversary of its historic inaugural AFL premiership against the Lions in 2004 with a full entertainment program to be confirmed in the coming months.
The Power’s third match at the ground will coincide with the club’s continued hosting of ANZAC Round.
There was some speculation partway through the year that Port Adelaide would not host the round in 2014, but supporters will be thrilled with the opportunity to watch the club host league powerhouse Geelong, culminating with the now-traditional presentation of the Peter Badcoe VC Medal to the game’s best player.
The star opposition at Adelaide Oval will peak in May with two consecutive matches against both 2013 grand finalists.
Fremantle will play against the Power on a Saturday afternoon prior to the club’s mid-season bye in Round 9, before returning from the one-round sabbatical with a highlight match under lights against Hawthorn in Round 10 on Saturday May 24 at 7:10pm.
It will be followed by a second Saturday twilight match, this time against St Kilda, on June 7, before a Saturday afternoon matchup with the Western Bulldogs on June 21.
Three of the Power’s final four home games will be night features, with matches against Essendon (Saturday July 5), Sydney (Saturday August 9) and Carlton (Friday August 22).
With six matches – over half the home calendar - in either of the popular night or Saturday twilight time slots, Port Adelaide supporters will have plenty of opportunity to witness the historic first season at Adelaide Oval, while the other five afternoon games carry plenty of incentive for supporters to get along to enjoy quality football against quality visiting opposition.
Port Adelaide's CEO Keith Thomas acknowledged this in his response to the club's fixture.
"We are pleased to have a fair portion of our home games scheduled at night," said Mr Thomas.
"If we're playing a good brand of footy we would like to think people will come and watch us in any timeslot, but our member feedback tells us it is easier for our people to get to games when we are playing in the late afternoon or evening.
"The bottom line though from our perspective is that we are committed to making the game-day experience as memorable as possible for our members and supporters. Our game day mission is to bring the fun back into going to a Port Adelaide home game."
PORT ADELAIDE 2014 FIXTURE ANALYSIS
| Timeslot | Total Matches | Home | Away |
| Sat Afternoon | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Monday Afternoon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sunday Afternoon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Friday Afternoon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sunday Early | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| DAY | 9 | 4 | 5 |
| Friday Night | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Saturday Night | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Thursday Night | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sunday Night | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Monday Night | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NIGHT | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Saturday Twilight | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Sunday Twilight | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| TWILIGHT | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| Round 23 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Port Adelaide’s general manager of member services is Matthew Richardson.
He says the confirmation of the club’s fixture is likely to draw a significant boost to membership sales, which are currently tracking significantly ahead of the same time last year.
“This is a really exciting fixture for the club – with six night or twilight games we expect membership and ticketing sales to continue building strongly,” Richardson said.
“Already we’ve sold more 11-game season tickets than we did for all of 2013 and that momentum is continuing to build. This fixture will only enhance that.
Guarantee your place at the historic first game at the new Adelaide Oval by purchasing an 11-game season ticket or Essential Power membership here.
"The twilight Saturday games work really well for families and we saw that on two occasions last year with blockbusters against Carlton and Collingwood, so with our home Showdown and St Kilda scheduled for these timeslots we anticipate a huge attendance.
"The 11-game reserved seat packages start from just $200 - by far the best value reserved seat season ticket in the AFL and when you look at the season game-by-game, it represents amazing value.
"We've had interstate and overseas supporters buying season ticket packages just to make sure they're at the historic first game at Adelaide Oval and given this fixture offers something for everyone - be it a great afternoon family experience or a night time blockbuster, Port Adelaide will really make the city party like never before!"
Check out our overview of the 2014 calendar below. All times subject to change.
The brief: Opening the season in the blockbuster Sunday night timeslot, the Power will be looking to emulate its successful 2013 campaign by kicking off the new year with a win - this time over the Blues.
Current venue record: Played 39, Won 14, Lost 25
Current head-to-head: Played 25, Power 13, Blues 11, Drawn 1
Port Adelaide plays Carlton twice in 2013 including the AFL's Opening Round at Etihad Stadium.
The brief: The club will christen the newly developed Adelaide Oval as Port Adelaide territory when it hosts the Crows in the first AFL match in the heart of the city since 2011.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 35, Power 19, Crows 16
Days since last game: 6
The brief: The Power will play its second of three games at Etihad Stadium against North Melbourne in Round 3 in a viewer-friendly timeslot of 4:10pm (SA time).
Current venue record: Played 39, Won 14, Lost 25
Current head-to-head: Played 28, Power 8, Kangaroos 20
Days since last game: 8
The brief: Remember 2004? Of course you do, and this will be the perfect opportunity to bring the memories back when the club commemorates the 10- season anniversary of its historic AFL premiership victory over the Lions with its second match at Adelaide Oval for the year.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 28, Power 12, Lions 14, Drawn 2
Days since last game: 6
Port Adelaide will celebrate the 10-season anniversary of its historic AFL premiership win over Brisbane in Round 4.
The brief: In the first of two trips west of the border, Port Adelaide will take a West Coast Eagles side coached by Adam Simpson in Subiaco. This match also falls on the Easter long weekend, so supporters may elect to make a weekend of it and travel to Perth to watch the match.
Current venue record: Played 24, Won 12, Lost 12
Current head-to-head: Played 25, Power 16, Eagles 9
Days since last game: 7
The brief: Port Adelaide will continue its tradition of hosting South Australia’s ANZAC Round match when it lines up against Geelong at Adelaide Oval and again presents the Peter Badcoe VC Medal as part of its wide-ranging recognition of the nation’s servicemen and women.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 27, Power 8, Cats 18, Drawn 1
Days since last game: 8
Port will host Geelong in the traditional ANZAC Round timeslot. It will be the first time the two sides have met since the 2013 semi final.
The brief: Port returns to the nation’s capital for the first time since 2005 to take on the Giants in a crucial match in the context of its season, ahead of matches against both of 2013’s grand finalists.
Current venue record: Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3
Current head-to-head: Played 3, Power 2, Giants 1
Days since last game: 6
The brief: The Dockers will visit Adelaide Oval in Round 8 in the first of two massive games for a Power side that will look to enter the bye with a strong (and hopefully victorious) performance against one of the competition’s best sides.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 26, Power 14, Dockers 12
Days since last game: 7
Round 9: Bye
The brief: In the second match of a brutal stanza in heart of the season, Port plays a keynote game against 2013 premiers Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval. In the prime Saturday night slot it will be a priority for every supporter to get to the ground and get the Power over the line against what is sure to be a dangerous Hawks outfit.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 27, Power 15, Hawks 12
Days since last game: 14
The brief: It will be a hot battle in Alice Springs when Port travels to the Top End for this clash with Melbourne. The corresponding 2013-day in the Alice reached 29 degrees, but it will be dryer than previous games further north in Darwin – the boys will be glad of their Dubai pre-season camp!
New venue (no record)
Current head-to-head: Played 26, Power 15, Demons 11
Days since last game: 7
The brief: The Saturday twilight timeslot gets another run when Port hosts the Saints in Round 12, giving supporters plenty of opportunity to watch the team play and remaining in the heart of town on a Saturday evening.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 24, Power 14, Saints 10
Days since last game: 7
The brief: Port hits the redeveloped Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time to take on a Swans lineup which should feature both prodigal ex-Crow Kurt Tippett and ex- Hawk Lance Franklin. It will also serve as the Power’s first game at the ground since 2011.
Current venue record: Played 12, Won 3, Lost 9
Current head-to-head: Played 22, Power 7, Swans 15
Days since last game: 7
The brief: The Power plays the Western Bulldogs in a Saturday afternoon clash at Adelaide Oval in an ideal family timeslot. Come and watch the match and enjoy dinner in the surrounds of North Adelaide or the CBD after the finish.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 22, Power 11, Bulldogs 11
Days since last game: 7
The brief: Playing as the ‘guest’ to the Crows in the second Showdown for the year, Power supporters will have the opportunity to scoop up available general admission seating and make plenty of noise at the ‘home’ game for Port’s local rival.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 35, Power 19, Crows 16
Days since last game: 8
The brief: Port hosts the Bombers in the first of its remaining three night clashes at Adelaide Oval for 2014. With action getting underway at 7:10pm on Saturday night, it's the perfect opportunity for supporters to return to night footy in the heart of the city by watching one of the big Victorian clubs up against the Power. A must see.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 24, Power 14, Bombers 10
Days since last game: 6
The brief: From one Vic powerhouse to another, Port Adelaide travels to Melbourne for its final game at Etihad Stadium for the home-and-away season against Richmond. It will have been over a year since the Power last took on the Tigers (back in Round 6, 2013) and it will be keen to finish off with a win at one of its least happy hunting grounds.
Current venue record: Played 39, Won 14, Lost 25
Current head-to-head: Played 23, Power 14, Tigers 8, Drawn 1
Days since last game: 8
The brief: Port plays Melbourne for the second time in an early Sunday match at Adelaide Oval. It's a perfect family timeslot to come into the city in the morning for the footy, or spend time in town after it. While it isn't the best timeslot for junior footballers and their families to make the match, the centrality of the venue should make attendance considerations a little easier.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 26, Power 15, Demons 11
Days since last game: 7
Port Adelaide plays Melbourne twice, including the return match at Adelaide Oval in Round 18 - the first time the two sides will meet at the ground since the historic first match there in 2011.
The brief: Port shoots back to Victoria for its final Melbourne game and sole fixture at the MCG against Collingwood. It will be the first time the two sides will meet since Port's thrilling elimination final at the home of football in 2013. While it falls on a Sunday afternoon, the only opportunity to see Port Adelaide at the 'G in the 2014 home-and-away season will surely appeal to supporters looking to book an away trip across the border.
Current venue record: Played 36, Won 15, Lost 20, Drawn 1
Current head-to-head: Played 24, Power 11, Magpies 13
Days since last game: 7
The brief: Port will host Sydney in a rematch of their earlier Round 13 encounter in the Power's final Saturday night match at Adelaide Oval for the year. Coming up against one of the form sides of the last four years will give extra incentive for Power fans to see this match, particularly if the Swans key forwards make an appearance.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 22, Power 7, Swans 15
Days since last game: 6
The brief: Port's only trip to Queensland comes at the end of the season when the boys head east to take on the Gold Coast. Port has never lost at Carrara and will want to keep that record intact, but most pundits expect the Suns to start maturing next year. This could be an absolute cracker.
Current venue record: Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 4, Power 3, Suns 1
Days since last game: 7
The brief: Port supporters will converge on Adelaide Oval for the last match of the Power's 2014 home-and-away campaign when the Power hosts Carlton in its key home blockbuster - a Friday night match broadcast nationally. Incidentally the Power's final home game for the year will again be against the Blues (as it was in 2013) and a massive crowd will be expected.
Current venue record (AFL): Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
Current head-to-head: Played 25, Power 13, Blues 11, Drawn 1
Days since last game: 6
The brief: While details for this match are yet to be confirmed there is one certainty: this is the toughest end to the season for any team. Travelling to Perth to take on the Dockers at their Patersons Stadium fortress is no easy ask, but the cards have fallen that way for the Power. Played at a similar time in 2013, this match saw the Power comprehensively outplayed by the eventual grand finalist. They'll be looking for an improved performance this time around.
Current venue record: Played 24, Won 12, Lost 12
Current head-to-head: Played 26, Power 14, Dockers 12
Days since last game: TBC
