Thousands of supporters sign petition in support of new Crows HQ at Thebarton Oval

A petition backing the Adelaide Crows’ plan to build a new HQ at Thebarton has gathered thousands of signatures saying footy fans are being held hostage by NIMBYs.

Thousands of South Australian football fans have signed a petition showing support for the establishment of a new Crows HQ at Thebarton.

The plans for the new headquarters have previously garnered criticism from locals who said they felt left in the dark and were outraged by plans to use parts of Kings Reserve.

The petition, started on May 30, has been signed 2129 times – nearly reaching its goal of 2500 signatures in just over a week.

Started by Nic Klar, the petition – headlined “We support the Adelaide Crows new HQ at Thebarton. Send in the bulldozers Kouts!” – has since gained the support of the Crowject podcast, which has previously advocated for the new site.

“Ten of thousands of football-loving supporters are being held hostage by a small group of local NIMBYs who oppose the new Adelaide Crows HQ development,” he wrote in the petition.

Adelaide Crows’ artist impressions of the proposed new base at Thebarton Oval. Picture: City Collective

“Not only opposing, but being deliberately disingenuous and spreading misinformation about the proposal.”

The description said the club want to “be an active and positive contributor to the local community”.

“Together with the City of West Torrens and its residents, the club will deliver a sporting and community precinct that provides genuine and long-lasting benefits for everyone,” it said.

“A key feature of the club’s plan is to ensure the community ends up with two new and improved ovals, ultimately more green space.

“The entire precinct will be open to pedestrians and cyclists with visions of people using it as a place to exercise, walk their dog or families knowing it is a place where their children can play and run around.”

The petition goes on to explain that a “small group of locals will never be happy”.

The Adelaide Football Club has identified Thebarton Oval as the best site. Picture: City Collective

Peter Cirocco, from the Crowject, said the club has been wanting a home base for quite some time and he doesn’t see why Thebarton can’t provide that space.

“It’s an area that’s not used at all,” he said. “It will be a hub for fans to gather at. The club just want to get it done.”

Mr Cirocco said he believed the people opposing the plans wanted to “protect their own interests”.

The podcast host said he believes the establishment of a base at Thebarton would “reinvigorate the local community” as well as the Adelaide Football Club.

You can see the petition here.