Pictured: James Kent — Manager, O’Connell Street Bakery
Businesses across South Australia are gearing up for an action-packed weekend as AFL fans descend on the state for four footy-filled days, indulging in some of the best sports fare SA has to offer.
Bakeries located adjacent to Adelaide, Norwood, and Mount Barker Ovals, where games will be played, are expected to be among the most popular destinations for pre and post-match treats.
Bakers are working around the clock to prepare thousands of extra pies, pasties, and sausage rolls for visiting fans.
Pictured: Left Amelia Greven — Front of House Manager, Right James Kent, Manager — O’Connell Street Bakery
Tony Greven, owner of the iconic Bakery on O’Connell expects his team will make 10,000 pastries over four days, a 20% increase on a regular extended weekend period.
“There will be plenty of favourites to choose from,” said Greven. “Our triple cheese beef brisket and jalapeño pie will surely be a hit,” he added.
Greven says the AFL Gather Round will be the icing on the cake at the tail end of Mad March and the festival season, which he believes is having a positive impact on the state.
“The AFL Gather Round is the best footy carnival in Australia, attracting people from all regions and across the country to enjoy the hospitality South Australia has to offer,” he said.
“I have always loved South Australia and the lifestyle it offers. Now, with our unique festivals and world-class sporting events, we get to share our spoils.
“Add in great restaurants (and bakeries) and wineries, and it’s no wonder so many people are falling in love with our state,” he added.
Kylie Schmid, owner of Perrymans Bakery just two minutes down the road from O’Connell Street, says the AFL Gather Round presents a fantastic opportunity for Adelaide.
“Sales increased during the period last year, and our bakery was bustling all weekend with footy fans, locals, and tourists,” she said.
“We believe South Australian bakeries are unique, and we love sharing classic South Aussie fare like Cornish pasties and Kitchener buns with our friends from other states,” said Schmid.
Perryman’s Bakery estimates a 30% increase in average game day trade over the weekend, with their team preparing 2,000 pies, pasties, and sausage rolls to feed footy fans as they make their way to and from the oval.
City businesses aren’t the only ones to expect a boost this weekend. Footy fans will be treated to an abundance of events being held across the state as activations surround the metropolitan, suburban and regional ovals hosting games.
Andrew Kay — CEO, South Australian Business Chamber
Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber says that businesses now have a clearer understanding of the opportunities presented by the AFL Gather Round going into year two and are better placed to take advantage of the opportunities the event presents.
“I expect businesses all across South Australia will be making every effort to maximize the benefits of the AFL Gather Round,” he said.
“I’m optimistic for a weekend that is bigger and better than last year, as word has travelled across the country and around the state about this signature event and the local market has had twelve months to prepare,” he added.
The Festival of Footy’s inaugural year in 2023 brought $83 million into the state’s economy and generated more than 150,000 visitor bed nights.
Businesses are tipping even greater returns for South Australia in 2024.
