Gather Round is an AFL-led event featuring nine matches across South Australia, attracting thousands of visitors. The Barossa Valley will host two matches at the newly redeveloped Barossa Park in Lyndoch, creating an exciting opportunity for the region to engage with visitors and showcase its offerings.
Two official AFL matches will take place at Barossa Park:
- Saturday 12 April 2025: North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast at 12:05 PM
- Sunday 13 April 2025: Richmond vs. Fremantle at 12:05 PM
Barossa Park’s recent redevelopment, including an AFL-standard oval and modern facilities, has made it a key venue for major events. These games will attract thousands of visitors, providing businesses and community groups with the perfect opportunity to connect with a wider audience.
How to Get Involved
The Festival of Footy complements Gather Round by encouraging local businesses and community groups to create their own events, activations, or special deals. From themed dinners to family-friendly activities, these initiatives aim to enhance the visitor experience and promote local engagement.
1. Download the Festival of Footy Associate Events Toolkit
The Festival of Footy Associated Events Toolkit provides everything you need to get started, including guidelines, tips, and step-by-step instructions for registration.
2. Register Your Activation
Submit your event or deal through both of the websites below:
Deadline: Applications close 14 January 2025.
Support Contacts
There’s a range of support available to help you make the most of Gather Round and the Festival of Footy.
Festival of Footy Program Assistance: South Australian Tourism Commission
For help with registering or understanding the program, contact Thamsin Sharrad at the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) via Thamsin.Sharrad@sa.gov.au or call 08 8429 4525.
Local Logistics and Activation Support: The Barossa Council
For guidance on Barossa-specific logistics, such as traffic management, town dressing, or useful connections, contact Joanne Seabrook, Manager Visitor Economy and Events at The Barossa Council by emailing jseabrook@barossa.sa.gov.au or call 08 8563 8334.
Visitor Information and Tourism Guidance: Barossa Visitor Centre
For details about accommodation, local attractions, or things to do, reach out to the Barossa Visitor Centre at 66/68 Murray Street, Tanunda, by emailing visitorcentre@barossa.sa.gov.au or call 1300 852 982.
Business Support: Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains
For businesses seeking personalised support, the B2B Support Program by Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains (RDABGLAP) offers subsidised access to local professional expertise. Support covers a wide range of services including marketing, promotional planning, operational advice, and more. For just $55, businesses can receive 2–3 hours of one-on-one consultation with local experts to enhance their involvement in the Festival of Footy. Join the program here, or submit enquiries to Anita Mariani by emailing contact@barossa.org.au or call 08 8563 3603.
Barossa Australia Members
For Barossa Australia members or tourism businesses in the Barossa region, Ben Patten, Head of Destination, can assist with membership enquiries, tourism initiatives, and collaboration opportunities at ben@barossa.com, or call 08 8563 0650.
Register your activation today
Participating in the Festival of Footy allows you to connect with thousands of visitors, promote your offerings, and contribute to a vibrant atmosphere in the Barossa. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the best of what the region has to offer during one of South Australia’s most exciting events.
Don’t miss out—download the toolkit and register your activation today!
