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Council’s partnership with SANFL and all things AFL continues to shine a sporting spotlight on the region, with AFL club Hawthorn set to arrive in the Barossa next week for training.

The Hawks players and trainers will use Tanunda Oval and The Rex gym and pool in coming weeks in preparation for the second half of the revised 2020 AFL season, as footy continues to be flexible during the current COVID-19 response.

Council continues to work with the Hawks and AFL management to ensure their training schedule causes minimal disruption to regular user groups at both facilities.

Hawthorn’s decision to make their base in the Barossa has been welcomed by Mayor Bim Lange.

“We’ve been campaigning to create the Barossa as a sports tourism events destination and it has paid dividends with an elite Aussie Rules club choosing the Barossa as their training ground,” he said.

“We’re thrilled that the relationships built with stakeholders such as the SANFL and other peak bodies have led to this new opportunity, and we hope it will be one of many more to come.

“Our proximity to Adelaide and investment in recreation infrastructure has secured this wonderful opportunity for our region to host some of the nation’s greatest sporting talent.”

The announcement follows a $742,000 investment in lighting and electrical capacity upgrades at Tanunda Recreation Park as well as a $1.7 million redevelopment of Tanunda Show Hall.

The facilities at the Rex Barossa Aquatic and Fitness Centre were another drawcard for the AFL to ensure players can access the necessary equipment to support the intensive match day preparation and recovery schedule.