Punt Rd Oval to be renamed Swinburne Centre as Richmond joins forces with uni

PUNT Rd Oval has a new name after Richmond joined forces with a university in a bid to bolster its football and high-performance departments.

Richmond’s Dion Prestia, at Punt Rd Oval. Picture: Alex Coppell

RICHMOND has sold off Punt Rd Oval naming rights to Swinburne University of Technology.

In a move akin to the Western Bulldogs’ association with Victoria University, the Tigers will bolster its football and high-performance departments in partnership with Swinburne’s exercise science programs.

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Same ground, new name. Players line up at what will now be known the Swinburne Centre. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The four-year deal, which sees the club’s Punt Rd headquarters renamed the “Swinburne Centre”, will see the two entities join forces on a proposed redevelopment of the precinct.

Swinburne researchers will eventually be based at the club, linking into the football program.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity that works on so many levels,” Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said yesterday.

“Both organisations have a shared commitment to diversity, equity, education and excellence and the opportunities to integrate this partnership across our business are many, including the future aspirations we have for the development of this facility into the future.”

Richmond’s Dion Prestia, at Punt Rd Oval. Picture: Alex Coppell

The Tigers recently pitched plans for an overhaul of Punt Rd Oval to a State Government taskforce that is exploring options for a major upgrade of Victoria’s sporting infrastructure.

Richmond’s vision includes improved training and administration facilities and increased capacity to host AFLW and VFL matches.

The AFL is lobbying for a $300 million redevelopment of Etihad Stadium in opposition to Collingwood president Eddie McGuire’s plans for a new 60,000-seat ground next door to the MCG.

A verdict from the taskforce, headed by Premier Daniel Andrews, will be delivered in July.

Further works at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium and Eureka Stadium in Ballarat, where the Western Bulldogs will host Port Adelaide in Round 22, are also being investigated.

The Melbourne Cricket Club has drawn its own plans for a $1 billion makeover of Brunton Ave and the railway tracks.

Originally published as Punt Rd Oval to be renamed Swinburne Centre as Richmond joins forces with uni