The project, expected to be completed near the end of the 2009 season, will include a major refit and expansion of the current training facilities and feature a new indoor training centre on top of the current facility to also double as the new Crows Shed.
While player input has been important in the process of developing the plans, the entire playing and training support group was briefed this morning on the final plans by club CEO Steven Trigg.
Preliminary work will start soon on the extensions. Then, when the 2008 season is over and the players take their break, the next stage starts with the renovations inside the current facilities.
The multi-purpose indoor facility – with a floor space of more than 2000 square metres - will be used for football training but also serve as the Crows Shed from the start of the 2010 season. This area will also be used extensively by schools and the community.
A mezzanine floor will overlook the Crows Shed and house a museum and interactive learning and resource centre.
Mr Trigg said the redevelopment had been planned for the last 18 months.
“This is the biggest project ever undertaken by the Club and it is much more than an upgrade,” he said. “We are aiming to create world standard facilities – not for the sake of it but because competitive advantage is critical in this competition. This is for the whole club – the players, our supporters and the community – a multi-functional facility that rivals the best in the world.”
‘Football’ area features of the redevelopment include:
Larger aerobic training area
Larger weights room and gymnasium
Improved rehabilitation area, including a plunge pool
A laboratory for testing players
Computer learning stations
Larger medical area, including physiotherapy
Dedicated massage area
Media centre
Post-match recovery facility, including sleeping area
Coaching staff offices and player meeting rooms
More storage space
Specialised drug testing facility
Community and supporter facilities include:
2500 square metres Crows Shed
Interactive Centre and Crows museum
Resource and learning centre for community and commercial purposes
Theatrette and studio facilities
Match day members function rooms
Small function centre
Balcony overlooking Max Basheer Reserve
Café
Membership ‘shop’
Catering facilities
The project has been thoroughly endorsed and supported by the SA Football Commission.
Executive commissioner Leigh Whicker today said: “The Commission not only approves the redevelopment but strongly supports the Adelaide Football Club’s intention to upgrade their facilities in catering for future needs.
“The Commission has, at the same time, renewed their licence agreement with the Adelaide Football Club to occupy premises to 2028. This emphatically underlines AAMI Stadium as Adelaide’s home base into the future.”
