Sharing Adelaide Oval in October will benefit everyone, says SACA boss Keith Bradshaw
The AFL is likely to require extra time to complete a delayed season and the boss of the South Australian Cricket Association says cricket will find a way to share Adelaide Oval with football.
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As Adelaide Oval tenants prepare for a massive financial hit, cricket is prepared to share precious October venue time to allow Adelaide and Port Adelaide to stage AFL fixtures.
South Australian Cricket Association is preparing a worst case 2020-21 contingency plan for no BBL, Twenty20 World Cup or Test tours due to prevention of international travel by COVID-19.
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The financial models of sporting organisation including SACA, the SANFL, Adelaide and Port Adelaide could be shattered by an extended COVID-19 pandemic. NRL chief Peter V’landys says the NRL could only survive a temporary shutdown before Federal Government stimulus is required.
SACA chief Keith Bradshaw says there has never been a more important time to work together.
“If there was a period in October where we had no cricket I am open to discussions with the AFL if it could work for both of us. Let us talk. International cricket takes priority but these are times that require collaboration,” Bradshaw told The Advertiser.
South Africa take on Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan on November 1 at Adelaide Oval with the venue scheduled to host the Twenty20 World Cup semi final 2 on November 12.
SACA can turn over up to $55 million annually depending on the pulling power of touring sides. No SACA memberships in 2020-21 would reduce its revenue by a third. However Bradshaw concedes membership prices would have to reduce if the BBL, World Cup or Test allocation was affected by COVID-19 related fixture cancellations.
“My feeling is we would have to adjust subscription (pricing),” said Bradshaw who faces a dramatic loss of sponsorship if the Strikers’ BBL season falls overs
“We would need to look at other revenue opportunities that weren’t cricket.
“There could be a big financial impact from the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority side.
“From the Cricket Australia perspective, with limited revenues there would be a reduction in revenues for the states. We will reassess the situation in July.”
Stadium Management Authority chief Andrew Daniels is prioritising the organisation’s future and staff as fans are left in limbo regarding football memberships for a 2020 season upturned by COVID-19.
There is uncertainty over any compensation for AFL club or Adelaide Oval football memberships given the nightmare scenario where a cancelled season threatens the 18-team competition and stakeholders.
“We are as keen for clarity as all our patrons, staff and stakeholders. The situation is constantly changing and that means it’s extremely difficult for us to predict what might happen in the coming days and weeks. Our priority right now is, and will remain, the wellbeing of our staff,” Daniels told The Advertiser.
“Alongside this, our efforts are focused on doing everything we can for the long-term protection of the Adelaide Oval as an organisation.”
Daniels says the SMA is yet to formulate a position on dealing with memberships devalued by the reduction in AFL games at the venue given the changing landscape caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
Adult Adelaide Oval football memberships start at $690 per season but Adelaide’s season opener against Sydney on Saturday will be played behind closed doors as the Federal government bans public gatherings of over 500 people.