The South Australian Government and The Barossa Council’s landmark new Barossa Park sporting precinct has been officially completed to host AFL Gather Round 2025 matches.
The jointly-funded $45.7 million upgrade to the Lyndoch Oval venue was finished ahead of schedule and was ready for community use following its AFL debut in April.
Residents and the broader community will be treated to a community open day at the site post Gather Round, this month.
Beyond AFL Gather Round, Barossa Park will be a landmark destination for the region that is much more than a sports venue, offering a multi-use precinct that will bring new events and festivals to a high-profile regional location and drive visitation to the State.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what has been achieved at this site in 11 short months in partnership with the Malinauskas Government, which will be a game-changer for our community and the regional economy,” Mayor Bim Lange said.
“We couldn’t have scripted a better outcome for the Barossa, with two AFL games, A Festival of Footy and tens of thousands of footy fans enjoying the best the Barossa has to offer.”
“What’s more, after the final whistle, our community will be the custodians of this marquee venue, ensuring recreation, social and tourism benefits for generations to come.”
The new venue includes a multi-purpose building comprising a 350-seat event space, clubrooms with commercial kitchen, multi-sport change facilities and gym, a mini Adelaide Oval replica bar and service area to support events and the cricket club, new netball courts, a recreation green and second oval, athletics track, shelters, a new playground and family garden, more carparks and a formalised roadway.
The benefits of the development – including as a conference venue – will boost the regional economy, with potential for an additional 18,000 visitor stays in the Barossa each year.
Construction of Barossa Park has benefited the regional economy through the use of local trades to the value of approximately $4 million, with more than 97 per centof all works supplied by SA businesses.
More than 15,000 plants were grown at Barossa Bushgardens to green the site, where more than 450 trees will be established.
