Memorial Drive, Hindmarsh Stadium to both receive $40 million upgrades
Both Memorial Drive and Hindmarsh Stadium will be redeveloped in major projects worth $89m. Here’s how they’ll be upgraded.
SA News
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Both Hindmarsh Stadium and the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre will undergo major upgrades worth more than $40 million each to attract global sporting events.
In the 2020-21 state budget, $45 million was committed to the redevelopment of Hindmarsh Stadium, in an effort to secure major soccer events, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, $44 million was set aside for the second stage of upgrades to the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.
The investment, part of a $204 million Sports and Recreation infrastructure plan, follows days of speculation that the stadiums would receive a cash splash in this year’s budget.
Hindmarsh Stadium upgrades include a major overhaul of the stadium’s change rooms, a shade covering over the eastern grandstand and a full replacement of the pitch.
There are also plans for new stadium lighting, improved media facilities, better corporate areas, a new kitchen and airconditioning.
Much-needed improvements to the stadium’s disability access was also promised and a further $8 million was set aside for technology enhancements.
The state government planned for these upgrades to be complete by the start of 2023 at the latest – in time to host Women’s World Cup fixtures.
Adelaide United boss Nathan Kosmina said the planned upgrades were a “fantastic outcome for South Australian football”.
“Whilst the stadium is beloved by the football community in this state, it is in need of necessary refurbishments in order to bring it in-line with modern-day fan expectations,” he said.
“Importantly, the proposed upgrades strengthen South Australia’s position as a prospective host state for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Mr Kosmina said the tournament is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for SA” and the state’s aspiring young female footballers.
Meanwhile, $44 million was allocated for the second stage of the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre redevelopment, creating an additional 1500 seats across four new grandstands.
It would bring the total capacity of the venue to 6000 people. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
The investment builds on the $10 million already spent on the venue’s roof.
The State Government also promised upgrades to elite training and recovery facilities, as well as improved access to the Adelaide Oval precinct.
But it’s not just tennis the upgrades are aimed at, as the government hopes to also attract e-sports, arts events and concerts.
Sports Minister Corey Wingard said the upgrades had the potential to “create a hub for the global e-sports phenomenon”.
“We’ve already seen what can happen when money is invested wisely in worthwhile infrastructure projects,” he said.
“The Marshall Government spent $10 million on the roof at Memorial Drive and within a year it was complete and the venue was hosting a world-class tennis event.”
The $204 million package, to be spent over the next four years, also includes $35 million in grants for grassroots sporting facilities across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Additional major sporting infrastructure projects are expected to announced in the coming weeks, with speculation remaining about whether Netball SA’s Princeline Stadium at Mile End will be upgraded.
gabriel.polychronis@news.com.au