Robertson Oval re-opened

After twenty long years, AFL footy returns to the southern NSW heartland of Wagga Wagga when the GWS GIANTS take on the Brisbane Lions under lights Robertson Oval.

Robertson Oval was officially opened by Wagga Wagga City Council Mayor Ron Kendall on Friday afternoon, ahead of Saturday night’s historic clash.

AFL NSW/ACT Planning and Operations Manager, Joseph La Posta, was on hand to help open the facility, and said it was the culmination of a long partnership with the Wagga Wagga City Council.

“This was partnership project we’ve been collaborating on with Council for nearly 10 years, so it is wonderful to see them open the ground tonight after 18 months of concerted effort to complete this project,” he said.

“Saturday night’s game will be a fantastic reward for all the hard work the community has put in.”

The AFL committed $275,000 towards the redevelopment of Robertson Oval, the key components of which include:

• Brand new elite AFL surface which is built to AFL specifications with newly installed behind-goal netting
• Refurbished change rooms & toilets
• Lighting to 500 lux and which is upgradable in the future to TV standard
• Earthworks to enlarge the oval and also create spectator banks for some 15,000 spectators
• New fencing, interchange benches and access points
• Upgraded lighting and improvements to Bolton Park grounds
  

Additionally, the AFL also committed almost $40,000 towards the delivery of elevated coaching & timekeepers boxes for all AFL activities at the ground. This has been done in partnership in Wagga Council & Wagga Tigers Australian Football Club.

The AFL would like to thank all Council staff, contractors. Wagga Tigers club and the local AFL NSW/ACT Wagga staff who have tirelessly to ensure the venue is ready in time for the NAB Cup match between the GWS GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions.

The kids of Wagga Wagga help open the ground on Friday.

Crowds gather to watch the official proceedings, followed by a GIANTS training session.

Jason McPherson –  AFL NSW/ACT Southern NSW Regional Manager, Ken Gannon – AFL Facilities and Project Manager, Peter from ProWay and Joseph La Posta AFL NSW/ACT Planning and Operations Manager.

Callan Ward and Jed Adcock pose under lights at Robertson Oval.