The AFL has announced that the 2020 Grand Final will be played in Queensland at the Gabba.

It marks the first time in 123 years that a VFL/AFL decider has been played outside of Victoria and the first time since 1991 it's been held away from the MCG.

League chief Gillon McLachlan confirmed the news at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

"This has been a season like no other and I want to thank the Queensland community and the Queensland government led by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for their support and for wholeheartedly welcoming our game to the state," McLachlan said.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our code and we look forward to now working with the Queensland Government to successfully stage the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final – the biggest event on the AFL calendar - and share it with the community right across Queensland.

"The Queensland presentation was world class and, while the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be the centrepiece, an extensive promotional campaign for the sport of Australian football, including multiple regional locations throughout Queensland, will bring fans closer to footy in the lead-up to the event and provide a lasting legacy."

The Grand Final will take place at night time on Saturday 24th of October, with the exact start time still to be decided.

Under the agreement with the Queensland government, a crowd of 30,000 will be allowed to attend the event.

Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales all made submissions for hosting rights. And despite the league standing to make more money if it was held at Perth's Optus Stadium, the state was chosen that played a key role in keeping the COVID-affected season running.

Adelaide Oval is the backup venue for the showpiece game if the Gabba can't be used.