<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Barossa Valley is facing an influx of visitors as the region prepares to host its first-ever AFL games this weekend.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The highly anticipated Gather Round event is expected to draw thousands of fans, putting a strain on local infrastructure and prompting authorities to issue travel warnings.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the excitement surrounding the event, stating that "hundreds of thousands of Australians" will be tuning in to witness the spectacle of AFL played amidst the picturesque vineyards.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>EXPLAINED: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/food-safety-expert-reveals-how-long-you-can-save-your-easter-eggs/9f7bb900-6e87-475f-b4ad-1ab9ebc1c320"><strong><span>How long can you save your leftover Easter chocolate?</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>However, he cautioned against unrealistic expectations, emphasising that "there is one road in, one road out to the Lyndoch Oval", making an early arrival crucial.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Barossa Mayor Bim Lange encouraged visitors to explore the area's offerings, including cellar doors, restaurants, and the main street of Tanunda, to alleviate congestion.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Local businesses are gearing up for the influx, with many reporting a surge in bookings and staffing up to meet the demand.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/gather-round-barossa-valley-visitor-influx/9a65ddac-1176-4055-8371-89fe31b2cabc" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Cafe owner Jenna Rose described her preparations, stating that her "cool room is full to the brim".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The AFL has acknowledged the potential for extreme heat during the games, with temperatures in Lyndoch forecast to reach 33 degrees.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>League officials assured that measures will be taken to ensure player safety, including encouraging spectators to wear hats and stay hydrated.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of </span></em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>