The Port Adelaide Football Club says SACA members have paved the way for a bold future for sport and South Australia in voting to support the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval.
A Special General Meeting of the SACA membership delivered an overwhelming majority in excess of 80%, allowing the Association to enter into a joint venture with the Stadium Management Authority.
Port Adelaide President Brett Duncanson thanked SACA members for throwing their support behind the project, which will see AFL played at a revitalised world class city stadium.
He also thanked the State Government for its bold $535 million dollar investment in what will become a landmark of Adelaide for generations to come.
“We always believed this project was critical not only for the future of football in South Australia, but for the city of Adelaide and for the entire State and its people,” Mr Duncanson said.
“The plans for Adelaide Oval are absolutely magnificent. Adelaide will get a central sporting facility that will be the envy of cities around Australia and the world. It builds on the rich heritage of what is widely recognized as the most beautiful ground in the world, and ensures it continues to host elite sport in the best environment possible, for years to come.”
By playing its games at Adelaide Oval, the Port Adelaide Football Club expects an enormous financial uplift upwards of $3.5 million per year. Analysis revealed the Power could expect a projected membership increase of 70 per cent, with attendances up nearly 30%.
Mr Duncanson said: “This provides our club with the breakthrough strategy it needs to become financially independent and secure, and to become truly competitive with the richer clubs in the AFL. In significantly improving the financial returns to both AFL clubs in South Australia, it also underpins football across the State from the grass roots upwards.”
The Port Adelaide Football Club also thanks the SANFL, the Adelaide Football Club, the SACA and the SMA for all the work that has gone into reaching this point, and for the professional and diligent handling of long and sensitive negotiations.
“For football and especially for Port Adelaide, this is a case of going home,” Mr Duncanson said. “Much of our rich history was formed at that ground. We won 22 of our 36 Premierships on Adelaide Oval and we are thrilled that it will soon be a part of an exciting future for the Port Adelaide Football Club.”
The Port Adelaide Football Club looks forward to more detailed discussions with football stakeholders, the SACA, SMA and the State Government.
http://www.adelaideovalredevelopment.com.au
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