The AFL has officially launched the third and final venue for Gather Round, with the Adelaide Hills set to host a sold-out spectacle at the Summit Sport and Recreation Park, Mount Barker.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, AFL General Manager Competition Management Laura Kane, Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale, Mount Barker District Council Mayor David Leach and Member for Kavel, Dan Cregan gathered at the scenic Adelaide Hills venue for the occasion.
The picturesque ground – home to the Mt Barker Football Club which was established in 1881 - will be at full capacity on Saturday afternoon as 7,500 fans are set to watch North Melbourne take on the Brisbane Lions, with the game starting at 12:40pm ACST (local time) / 1:10pm AEST.
In a bonus for fans attending the match, more than 25 local South Australian businesses will be part of the occasion and showcase the best of what the Adelaide Hills has to offer. The Terrace, a purpose-built precinct, will give fans the opportunity to sample some of the local area's finest food and beverage offerings before, during and after the match.
Premier Malinauskas said all is in readiness for a spectacular occasion.
"The whole idea for Gather Round from the State Government's perspective was to showcase the beautiful parts of our state, and the Adelaide Hills is a fine example of that and we feel so lucky that there is a game being hosted here," Mr. Malinauskas said.
"Between the AFL and the local council, there has been an extraordinary amount of work that has gone on in pretty quick time, to bring the ground up to this exceptional standard.
"I thank the local MP Dan Cregan, who from the moment Gather Round was announced, started advocating for a game in the Adelaide Hills."
AFL General Manager Competition Management, Laura Kane, said the AFL is delighted to be able to bring the game to a local community.
"Adelaide Hills is a wonderfully unique location to play our great game and be part of the first ever Gather Round," Ms. Kane said.
"I'd like to thank the South Australian Government and the Mount Barker District Council for their tireless work in helping us to bring AFL to the Adelaide Hills.
"We can't wait to welcome thousands of fans to this beautiful ground to watch what will be an historic occasion and great contest."
Mount Barker District Council Mayor David Leach said he can't wait to see the Adelaide Hills alive on Saturday.
"Everybody in the Mount Barker District Council and the people who live here are honoured to be chosen for this match," Mr. Leach said.
"Three years ago, this was a paddock with Murray Grey cattle walking around eating grass. Today, you can see something that any grounds person would be proud to call their own oval.
"There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into this by council staff and the AFL. It's a great boost to our economy and to South Australia."
GATHER ROUND All you need to know for the Festival of Footy
To provide the local community with long-term benefits, the Mount Barker District Council funded the development of significant venue upgrades, including new goal posts, new road access to the ground, permanent fencing for the facility to host similar future events, a turf renovation and upgraded interchange benches.
Alongside the permanent upgrades, a 3,000-seat grandstand has been installed, as well as temporary coaches and broadcast boxes, player changerooms, umpire facilities and two big screens for an optimum viewing experience for fans at the match.
Curtain-closer: AFL Academy U18 Boys v Port Adelaide Magpies
Following the conclusion of the AFL fixture on Saturday, a curtain-closer will be held featuring a host of the country's most talented draft-age footballers representing Australia as part of the AFL Academy U18 Boys program, taking on the Port Adelaide Magpies from the SANFL, commencing at 4:00pm ACST.
Transport for spectators
In a further boost for spectators, the South Australian Government is providing free public transport for footy fans with their Gather Round game day ticket on Adelaide Metro bus, train and tram services to Mount Barker. Dedicated bus shuttles to and from the AFL Hub at Elder Park, King William Road will also operate to the venue. There is no parking available.
For more information, please visit AFL.com.au/gatherround
Saturday 15 April – match schedule
AFL Round 5 – ‘Gather Round'
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions
12:40pm local time / 1:10pm AEST
Gates open: 10.30am
AFL Talent Pathways Match
AFL Academy U18 Boys v Port Adelaide Magpies (SANFL)
4:00pm local time / 4:30pm AEST
No ticket required for entry once the AFL match has concluded
Free live stream via AFL.com.au and AFL Live Official App
