Construction on Adelaide’s new training, administration and community headquarters at Thebarton Oval is in full swing with a special ceremony today marking a significant moment in the Club’s history.
Attended by SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis, and significant business and industry identities, the ceremony saw Crows Chairman John Olsen officially turn soil on the $100m project.
It follows nearly a decade of discussions and complex negotiations with a large number of varied stakeholders however, demolition and earthworks are now under way in earnest.
Once complete, Crows players, coaches, staff, members and supporters will have access to a 150m long, two-storey building that wraps around Thebarton Oval and it will be the best of its kind in the country.
The new sports precinct will provide a permanent match day home for Adelaide’s successful AFLW team, as well as a café and members lounge for all-day casual dining with indoor and outdoor seating to watch the Crows’ men’s and women’s players train.
There will also be a dedicated function centre and interactive museum allowing fans to immerse themselves in the Club’s history.
“It has been an enormous undertaking to get to this point and it’s both exciting and rewarding,” Olsen said.
“Since finalising the building contract late last year, the building company Tandem has been able to make good progress and there has already been a considerable transformation of the site.
“A project of this magnitude would not be possible without the support we have received from all levels of government and the AFL, as well as those who are backing our capital raising campaign, for which we are very appreciative.
“This is the most ambitious and significant project in the Club’s history and we are determined to deliver our players and coaches a world class training base, and our members and fans a place they can come together and call home.”
Premier Malinauskas said the Government was proud to be supporting the project which he described as a “win-win-win”.
“This project will deliver the Adelaide Crows a fitting facility for the 21st century, and support the growth of women’s footy, delivering the Crows AFLW side a much-deserved home ground,” he said.
“More than that, it will unlock Thebarton Oval for the broader community, providing a space everyone can enjoy for exercise, dog walking or catching up with family and friends.”
Jamie McClurg, Executive Chairman of Commercial & General Group, which includes Tandem, emphasised the project's community impact.
"We are proud to be part of another major South Australian project, this time delivering critical sporting infrastructure for the Crows and the State,” McClurg said.
“As a local business, supporting the community is fundamental to us, and this project is no exception.”