The biggest-ever AFL Gather Round attendance has led to record crowds beyond the boundary in Norwood and the Barossa, as footy fans and visitors made the most of everything on offer across the state.
The Norwood Food & Wine Festival on Sunday attracted more than 90,000 visitors along the Parade, topping last year's record and smashing the 2024 attendance figure of 70,000 visitors when the iconic street festival was brought back.
The major event continues to grow year-on-year and has become a major drawcard during Gather Round, promoting South Australia's world-class food and wine sector and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.
Bounce Around the Barossa - a free bus service connecting fans to towns, wineries and businesses across the region - was busier than ever throughout the Gather Round weekend.
More than 7,200 trips were taken this year - a 91 per cent increase on last year's patronage - covering a record 55 local businesses and townships.
Additional buses and a 33 per cent boost in services were put on to help meet increased demand.
Melba's Chocolates, a local business covered by Bounce Around the Barossa, reported a huge increase on last year's Gather Round numbers - with Sunday their busiest day of the four-day weekend.
Events like the Norwood Food & Wine Festival and supporting festivities in the Barossa through a dedicated hop-on hop-off service ensures our hotels, restaurants, bars and other venues continue to build on Gather Round's success.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said while footy might be the drawcard, Gather Round is about more than what happens on the ground.
"The Norwood Food and Wine Festival and the events in the Barossa provide a vehicle to showcase the best of our state to the rest of the nation," he said.
"Our state has incredible food, wine and experiences - and the opportunity to share these with our guests means an added benefit to our local economy."
"These visitors will return home and share their experience with others, helping drive further growth."
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke added; "Gather Round records are tumbling on and off the field - and our local businesses are the ones scoring big."
"Each year we're seeing crowd numbers grow at events that drive economic growth and promote what we do best."
"From top-quality South Australian produce on the Parade to bringing visitors to the doorstep of Barossa businesses, we're supporting fans to experience our regions and hospitality like nowhere else."
