Farewell to Football Park, as demolition nears completion

A lone section of a grandstand is all that remains at what was once the epicentre of South Australian footy.

A lone section of a grandstand is all that remains at what was once the epicentre of South Australian footy.

The demolition of Football Park is expected to be completed in the coming days to make way for the construction of a 100-bed Uniting SA aged care home, a library, childcare centre, cafe and shops.

The project is part of the wider billion-dollar WEST development, which will include 1300 homes once complete.

The final piece of grandstand is due for demolition in the coming days. Picture: Matt Loxton

SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said the final piece of the park would likely be knocked down within days.

“What will remain is the oval will remain as open space, the Checkside Tavern will continue to trade and then of course the Adelaide Football Club will continue with their facility there on the eastern side of ground,” he said.

Mr Parkinson said he felt “mixed emotions” in the final days of demolition.

The park had been the home of SA football for 40 years before games were transferred to the redeveloped Adelaide Oval. Picture: Matt Loxton

“You know that it’s going to happen … (but) at the same time when it happens and you look at it, the memories kick in and you think about how great it was to watch footy at Football Park.” Bulldozers began razing the facility in August last year. The park had been the home of SA football for 40 years before games were transferred to the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.

The last parts of Football Park in West Lakes. Picture: Matt Loxton