It’s known throughout the world as a premier wine region, but the Barossa Valley will be in the spotlight for an entirely different reason next year when it joins the AFL Gather Round.
The state government has partnered with The Barossa Council to deliver a $40 million redevelopment of Lyndoch Recreation Park, which will include a new multi-purpose building comprising a 300-seat event space and clubrooms.
The Barossa Park Project will see the existing oval upgraded to meet AFL standards and deliver a precinct fit for multiple sports at community and professional levels as well as opening up new opportunities for festivals, the arts, international sporting events and conferences to come to the region.
It will also include new netball courts, a recreation green and second oval, athletics track, shelters, a new playground and more carparks.
The state government and The Barossa Council will each contribute $20 million to the project, with support from Barossa District Football and Netball Club.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was excited by the news of the upgrade.
“We are thrilled the South Australian Government is investing in the redevelopment of Lyndoch Recreation Park in the Barossa, allowing us to take Gather Round 2025 there and continuing to build on the legacy of Gather Round for the community in years to come,” Mr Dillon said.
“One of the greatest things about Gather Round is the community spirit it invokes – illustrated this weekend with fantastic sold-out matches at boutique venues like Norwood and the Adelaide Hills.
“Nothing speaks to South Australia’s charm quite like their wine regions, so to have the opportunity to showcase the stunning Barossa in 2025 for the thousands of fans who attend Gather Round is going to be something special.”
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange said the partnership would “deliver a landmark precinct less than an hour from Adelaide’s CBD, bringing more visitors and tourism dollars into our regional and State economy as a major events destination”.
“Importantly, this investment goes well beyond sport, unlocking opportunity for arts, culture and festivals on a local and national scale," he said.
"And of course, grassroots communities are the big winners through high-quality infrastructure and open space to support participation in community life."
The facility will be used year-round for local community and sporting events, including by the Barossa District Football and Netball Club, Lyndoch Cricket Club, Lyndoch Tennis Club, Lyndoch Bowling Club, Little Athletics Lyndoch & Districts, and the Barossa Valley Pigeon Racing Club.
