The newly upgraded sports field and pavilions at Macquarie University were officially unveiled today, ushering in an AFLW-standard facility to be enjoyed by the University’s students and sports clubs, AFL NSW/ACT, Redlands School and the wider university community.
Joint funded by the New South Wales Government, AFL NSW/ACT and Redlands School, the $7.5M project enabled a major refurbishment of University Oval that has delivered a high-quality facility suitable for a variety of sports and capable of hosting an elite AFLW match.
The project included significant upgrades to the existing Ron Reilly and Blue Barclay pavilions to create player and umpire changerooms suitable for all participants, a complete rebuild of the playing surface, new coaches’ boxes and a large community function room.
University Oval is the home of the Macquarie University Australian Football Club and the Sydney Swans Academy. It will now also be able to host elevated fixtures including AFLW, VFL and the Coates Talent League, and serve as another training facility for the AFL’s elite umpires based in New South Wales.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “The upgrades to University Oval and pavilions at Macquarie University has been a significant project, and we are thrilled to see the facility open today.
“University Oval will serve as an outstanding facility for high-performance AFL content across all levels of the game in Sydney, and our contribution to this project reflects our commitment to developing high-quality infrastructure that enables our game to grow.”
The revamped facility was officially opened today at a special ceremony attended by key dignitaries from the project’s funding partners, including The Honourable Stephen Kamper MP, New South Wales Minister for Sport, Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton and Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi.
Minister for Sport, Stephen Kamper said: “Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and these upgrades help create an environment where more people feel supported to participate in sport whether this is as an athlete, official or spectator.
“The new facilities and upgrades ensure University Oval can be used to its full potential, supporting the growth of women’s, community and school sport, and providing long-term benefit to athletes at both the grassroots and elite levels.
“I look forward to seeing University Oval become an even more iconic sporting venue.”
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said: “This is a proud moment for Macquarie University and a strong example of what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships between education, government and sport.
“The upgraded University Oval and pavilions will provide our students, sporting clubs, partners and the wider community with access to elite-level infrastructure, while creating welcoming spaces that support participation at every level of the game.
“This reflects the University’s commitment to excellence, inclusion and community engagement.”
The community AFL season in New South Wales is set to begin on Saturday, March 28.
For more information about the AFL’s facility management and development, visit here.