SANFL welcomes $5M funding boost to transform Thebarton Oval

SANFL has today welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a $5 million funding contribution to a Thebarton Oval redevelopment to create South Australia’s second home of football.

The funding commitment, part of the State Budget Sport Fund, now means SANFL can progress in 2021 to turning the long-term redevelopment proposal into a reality.

The project, estimated to cost approximately $18 million, will be funded through State, Federal and Local Government contributions totalling $17 million, with the remainder to be funded by SANFL and the AFL.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said the Marshall Government’s funding for Thebarton Oval would allow SANFL, as lease holder of Thebarton Oval, to create a dedicated elite-level sports facility for football talent programs and umpiring, as well as an AFLW-compliant venue.

The stadium would also continue to provide a home for Adelaide Footy League administration and community football matches.

“The Thebarton Oval redevelopment is an opportunity for SANFL to establish a state-of the-art training, competition and administration sporting precinct that allows the next generation of talented male and female South Australians to thrive,” Mr Chandler said.

“It will also provide a much-needed hub for umpiring training and development programs to support the growth of football, especially the phenomenal growth of female football, in South Australia.”

The Thebarton Oval redevelopment will include the following:

• New unisex player change rooms, gymnasium, rehabilitation, coaching and education rooms
• New administration offices for Adelaide Footy League, SANFL Talent and Umpiring
• Improvements to the grandstand and spectator amenities
• Oval and broadcast works to provide an AFLW compliant venue and establish the stadium as the second home of football to Adelaide Oval in SA
• Landscaping and plaza works to support significant community and sporting events.

Mr Chandler said Thebarton was the preferred option as a location as a talent and umpiring hub due to its accessibility to public transport, close proximity to the city, existing community links and football’s year-round access to the venue.

He said the League looked forward to moving forward on the project together with the City of West Torrens and the State Government.