The South Australian Government has increased its contribution for the proposed Adelaide Oval redevelopment, as the original $450 million will not be sufficient to include western grandstand upgrade.
The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) approved plans to redevelop the ground involving reconfiguration of the playing surface and a remodeling of the western stand. The redevelopment would make the ground a viable option for hosting Australian Football League (AFL) games as well as international football and rugby. Once the redevelopment is complete, AFL games will be shifted to Adelaide Oval from Football Park at West Lakes.
Under the redevelopment and redesign scheme, many of the Adelaide Oval’s existing features, including the pavilion-style nature of the ground, the hill at the northern end and the century-old scoreboard, will be retained. The Football Park, the traditional home of Australian Rules in South Australia and home ground for both the Port Adelaide Power and Adelaide Crows, will remain as a training and administration base only. The new stadium will also assist in Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups.
