The re-development of Star Track Oval is well underway, with a host of improvements set to bring the Canberra venue up to a world-class standard.
by Chris Young
The works, which began early in July, mark the first time the playing surface of the ground has undergone major alteration since the construction of the ground in the 1920’s.
The lack of significant maintenance works resulted in a noticeably harder surface compared to other grounds, creating a higher risk of injury for players.
GWS Giants player Jonathon Patton was caught out early in 2013, with the key forward suffering an ACL injury in the Giants’ round 3 clash with St. Kilda.
The hardness of the surface was just one of the causes for the surface to be re-developed, with a lack of adequate drainage on the old surface causing the ground to become waterlogged frequently.
The ground, once the works are complete, will sit 1.2 metres lower than it did before, and will also be slightly smaller than before.
The capacity of the venue will also be increased, with an additional 1400 seats to bring the total capacity up to more than 15,500.
Three dugouts for players and officials will also be installed, thanks to the reduction the size of the playing area.
The works will be completed in time for the Prime Minister’s XI cricket match in January 14 2014, as well as the AFL pre-season competition and home and away season.
It’s also been announced recently that Star Track Oval will host three Cricket World Cup matches in 2015, with South Africa, Ireland and Zimbabwe set to pay a visit to the nation’s capital.
With the oval one of Canberra’s premier sporting venues, the re-vamped surface and spectator areas will stamp Star Track Oval’s place as a world class sporting venue.
AFL Canberra and NEAFL clubs can look forward to playing on the new surface in 2014, with the works just another sign of the AFL’s long term commitment to football in Canberra.
Last Modified on 01/08/2013 16:44