Mount Barker is set to host an exciting AFL event as Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club prepare to clash in a pre-season Summit Showdown at the Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP). This scheduled match on Friday, February 21st 2025 will be the first time that SSRP in Mount Barker, will witness a confrontation between these crosstown AFL rivals.
“To have the state’s two AFL men’s teams play in the Adelaide Hills for the first time at the SSRP is going to be huge, and we’re expecting thousands of city and country fans to come to Mount Barker and see the Crows and the Power battle,” shared Mount Barker District Council Mayor, David Leach.
“There was a great buzz of excitement around the district when we hosted AFL Gather Round matches in 2023 and 2024 and, acknowledging how much South Australians love the thrill of a Showdown, anticipation will be at fever pitch given the long-standing rivalry between these two clubs.
“To help as many families as possible experience our unique Hills’ football festival atmosphere, and with household budgets under pressure, we’re keeping adult tickets at only $10 and offering free entry to children under 15.”
Tim Silvers, CEO of the Adelaide Crows, highlighted the strategic importance of this event and enthusiasm in Mount Barker for AFL, fuelled by previous Gather Round events.
“It’s always exciting to see our team back in action after a long pre-season and we are looking forward to getting up to Mount Barker where the community has really embraced AFL football during Gather Round in the past couple of years,” Mr Silvers stated.
This sporting spectacle not only boosts local spirit but also plays a key role in the economic strategy of the Mount Barker District Council, aiming to enhance the regional profile and drive economic benefits.
“Major events provide a boost to our local economy by attracting more people to the district, promoting greater community connection which is important in a fast-growing area, and helping raise our region’s profile,” Mayor Leach said.
“The Summit Showdown will be a valuable opportunity to showcase the SSRP’s capabilities and what can be achieved through high calibre strategic partnerships like the one we have with Adelaide Football Club.
“Mount Barker District Council was fortunate to receive substantial government funding that assisted us in building a national standard AFL oval at the Summit and we intend to capitalise on this by attracting more events to the oval and the adjacent soccer pitches.”
The local community has a set timeframe starting from 12.30pm today until midday Wednesday 18 December to register for the Summit Showdown Local Resident Presale via the council’s website. This registration period gives them access to a private link for early ticket purchases through Ticketmaster.
Additionally, tickets for the general public will be available from 9am on Friday 20 December. Local sporting associations and community groups are encouraged to participate in the event by selling food and drinks, thereby providing them a platform for fundraising.
With the gates opening at 3 pm and the game kicking off at 5 pm, the event promises to be a significant affair for both the sport and the local community.
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