Port Adelaide Football Club and the South Australian government have signed a deal that will see the state government invest $17 million over four years to help the club deliver stage four of Alberton Oval’s $35 million upgrade.
The funding boost will be invested towards a third heritage-inspired grandstand, increasing the seated capacity to 6,000 and overall capacity to over 10,000 to cater for AFLW, SANFL and SANFLW home games, and AFL pre-season games.
Additionally, AFLW player changeroom and coaching administration facilities will be consolidated into the MG High Performance Centre, which the football club says will mean the club’s AFL and AFLW football programs will be housed under the same roof.
A STEM learning centre, and education and conferences spaces for community programs and the Port Adelaide Academy of Sport will also be delivered under the next stage of redevelopment.
“The Port Adelaide Football Club is grateful for the support from the South Australian Government toward this next stage of the development at Alberton Oval,” Port Adelaide Football Club CEO Matthew Richardson said.
“Providing world-class facilities for our AFL and AFLW players and staff plays a key role in ensuring our club is highly competitive on-field by retaining and attracting the best talent.
“AFL football not only plays an important role in inspiring young people to play sport and live healthy lifestyles, but it is also a major economic generator in South Australia.”
The next stage will also see the delivery of high-performance athlete wellness and recovery facilities, which will also be available for community use, alongside flexible learning and event space for club and community access.
Plus, a new Port Adelaide Bowling Club facility with synthetic green and clubrooms will also be delivered during stage four.
“Alberton Oval has been at the heart of this community for decades and this project will significantly enhance this and create new opportunities for people to experience the many physical, mental and emotional benefits of being active,” said South Australia MP Katrine Hildyard.
“The inclusion of state-of-the-art AFLW facilities at Alberton speaks to our government’s ongoing commitment to women’s sport. Backing women in sport means providing them with the facilities they deserve; this project does just that.
“The project will help our state remain a national leader in attracting and retaining elite sporting talent, inspire the next generation of athletes and bring people together.”