When to redevelop AAMI?

[Alex99]

The Western Australian football commission announced today a $235 million dollar redevelopment of Subiaco oval.

In the late 1990’s the SANFL altered the look of Football Park by building a new Northern grandstand and increased the capacity of AAMI stadium (formally football Park) by 7000 seats. In 2002 the SANFL removed the aluminium benches with the plastic seating that’s reduced the capacity of the stadium change by 2500 odd seats, my question is:

How long is a reasonable time frame before the SANFL increases Football Park to stay in touch with the other sporting venues in Australia? The Adelaide Football Club would have no trouble filling a 65,000 – 70,000 seat venue but would the South Australian government help out.

I believe that we are currently one of the major market leaders in Australian Rules football but if we don’t stay competitive with different market treads in 10 years time we will be left behind. AAMI stadium should have it capacity increase again to 70,000 with in the next 6 or 7 years so we can stay competitive. I can see that having a major impact on how South Australia is viewed as a football destination.

I seriously cannot see anything like this happening in the next 10 – 15 years

 

[understudy]

Hard to justify with 20,000 crowds port register.

Freo get big crowds so much easier to justify at subi expansion.

 

[crackerjack4000]

crows98 i agree its holding us back a bit. How long do we stick at 50k?

 

[PAFC2004]

Hard to justify with 20,000 crowds port register.

Freo get big crowds so much easier to justify at subi expansion.

Our crowds are generally better than that, and the current figures are poor because certain (questionable) supporters refuse to turn up when the team doesn't put much effort in...

That aside, I think the amenities at the ground need to be updated before seating capacity is increased.

 

[Cap]

crows98 i agree its holding us back a bit. How long do we stick at 50k?

maybe when we actually get 50k on a regular basis

my vote would be upgrading the surrounding infrastructure first

 

[crackerjack4000]

maybe when we actually get 50k on a regular basis

my vote would be upgrading the surrounding infrastructure first

If the games sold out its sold out. You'll always get that natural rate of people who cant make it

 

[Alex99]

Hard to justify with 20,000 crowds port register.

Freo get big crowds so much easier to justify at subi expansion.

If the WCE, Fremantle and a few Victorian clubs have the ability to draw 65,000 members and we don’t do anything to stay in touch, economically we will get left behind.

That’s up to them to find a way of increasing there membership. I understand that it hard to justify spending such a large amount of money but we have to worry about how we can stay competitive, not be held back because of a club cannot draw more than 25,000 on a regular basis.

 

[afc9798]

Our crowds are generally better than that, and the current figures are poor because certain (questionable) supporters refuse to turn up when the team doesn't put much effort in...

That aside, I think the amenities at the ground need to be updated before seating capacity is increased.

Agree that seating capacity isn't the issue. Even the sold out games aren't actually attracting a full crowd as many don't turn up. We generally get 42-45,000, so capacity isn't the immediate concern.

Raising the quality of the ground's facilities, improving the appearance of the cold concrete facade and extending the undercover areas should be the first priority. The ground itself is and always has been first class, but the exterior surrounds make it look and feel cold as hell. Also better and more diverse catering would be a big improvement, as the food sucks and by the time you get to your seat, it's already cold.

 

[Alex99]

maybe when we actually get 50k on a regular basis

my vote would be upgrading the surrounding infrastructure first

If we have a capacity of 25,000, I highly doubt all 25,000 would turn up.

Currently we have a capacity of 54,000 and really 54,000 turn up. It’s not like we are struggling to attracting interest in buying a membership there are enough people that want to go, they just cannot get the opportunity because season ticket holder don’t turn up. Every single ticket is sold.

 

[Mad Dog]

hmmmm - I would like to see the current stadium filled on a regular basis first.

 

[Malibu#27]

Agree that seating capacity isn't the issue. Even the sold out games aren't actually attracting a full crowd as many don't turn up. We generally get 42-45,000, so capacity isn't the immediate concern.

Raising the quality of the ground's facilities, improving the appearance of the cold concrete facade and extending the undercover areas should be the first priority. The ground itself is and always has been first class, but the exterior surrounds make it look and feel cold as hell. Also better and more diverse catering would be a big improvement, as the food sucks and by the time you get to your seat, it's already cold.

I agree. Facilities is what needs the facelift.

To name a few - the PA system (which I believe is underway) .. to me this is minor.

Catering is the big issue.

I understand that we can't drink at our seat and I'm OK with that - but if we cant drink at our seats, at least make it easy and QUICK to get a beer. Restructure the bars similar to Telstra Dome/MCG, patrons walk in one door, pick up the drink they want and walk out another. Much more efficient.

Its hard to believe (me being a port sup[porter and having smaller crows) - but I actually attended a final a couple years ago, and was UNABLE to get a beer in the entire length of half time.

Agree about improving undercover. Andthey have to continually look to make it more and more "accessible". ITs located away from the central city hub, hence a trip to footy park can be a journey (I drive so it doesnt affect me) ... but public transport always will be an issue.

More undercover seating would be good. And of course the food could always use a facelift.

 

[Mad Dog]

maybe when we actually get 50k on a regular basis

my vote would be upgrading the surrounding infrastructure first

yes indeed.... - undercover outer areas like food stands - bars - etc - those patrons in the outer deserve some protection from the elements and upgrade of facilities first

 

[crackerjack4000]

dont dream up to much guys, with those new seats going in a few yrs back nothing will be happening there for a long while.

 

[AdelaideFan]

Agree the facilities need some work. If you sit in the members you would no doubt have ventured down to the bar down stairs as you walk in. This area is setup very poorly. They need to make it more entertaining. The members aren't seated so there will usually be a lot of people around some time b4 the game begins. The bar offers nothing. How about at least a big screen TV showing something a little more exciting than the closed circuit television of the pre match entertainment (not usually much) but If I wanted to watch it that much I would sit at my seat. There might be another footy match on. Have a screen and show that or if its a sat night game, show before the bounce. Something anything. For legal reasons this may not be possible but it would be nice. I know you will be having a chat but its always good to be able to watch the footy. As it stands you can only do this in the crows bar. As soon as you get in there you want to leave straight away. They need to expand the bar out to the road so more people can fit in comfortably. The bar is setup in a spot there. One trip to the Telstra Dome and anyone can see how things should be done. You can sit down have a meal etc. Nothing like that offered at AAMI. Anyway thats my whinge out of the way. I love watching footy there but think we need to provide a better more entertaining environment for the punters....

 

[Alex99]

I appreciate the need to upgrade the facilities but in 10 years time (a legitimate time frame for a project like this) and Collingwood, Essendon, West Coast all have over 65,000 members and Fremantle and St Kilda have over 55,000 and are making over $10,000,000 profit, we will still be making just over $1,000,000 with our 45,000 member we currently have.

Maybe the SANFL, the South Australian government can both chip in $300,000,000 and build a new 70,000 seat stadium. They could sell AAMI to be developed into a housing estate to help fund the new stadium.

I am just concerned that in 10 years time the Adelaide Crows will be left behind and not a powerhouse club we should be. .

 

[James23]

in a 2-team state we are always going to be a powerhouse as long as we stay ahead of our cross-town rivals

 

[Alex99]

in a 2-team state we are always going to be a powerhouse as long as we stay ahead of our cross-town rivals

No we won’t

 

[AdelaideFan]

I appreciate the need to upgrade the facilities but in 10 years time (a legitimate time frame for a project like this) and Collingwood, Essendon, West Coast all have over 65,000 members and Fremantle and St Kilda have over 55,000 and are making over $10,000,000 profit, we will still be making just over $1,000,000 with our 45,000 member we currently have.

Maybe the SANFL, the South Australian government can both chip in $300,000,000 and build a new 70,000 seat stadium. They could sell AAMI to be developed into a housing estate to help fund the new stadium.

I am just concerned that in 10 years time the Adelaide Crows will be left behind and not a powerhouse club we should be. .

What you are saying is very far fetched but I agree 100 per cent and hope down the track this does occur. Get the location right where public transport to the ground is a lot easier and facilities like Cafes and pubs are situated around the ground. I can imagine those living around West Lakes that dont go to the footy would love this also.......

 

[Alex99]

What you are saying is very far fetched but I agree 100 per cent and hope down the track this does occur. Get the location right where public transport to the ground is a lot easier and facilities like Cafes and pubs are situated around the ground. I can imagine those living around West Lakes that dont go to the footy would love this also.......

Of course it far fetched, its South Australia after all we don’t have foresight to investigate things like this.

It’s why we didn’t get the commonwealth game in 1998 (we lost to Kuala Lumpur) and we lost the Grand Prix and other events because we take a back seat and don’t show a spine.

 

[-CG-]

Having been to the telsra dome and the recently upgraded MCG, I think AAMI needs a make over. Not so much capacity, but food outlets, toilets, bars, maybe even a new fence around the oval.

 

[PAFC2004]

I honestly think catering would make a big difference, above many other things.

 

[AdelaideFan]

Of course it far fetched, its South Australia after all we don’t have foresight to investigate things like this.

It’s why we didn’t get the commonwealth game in 1998 (we lost to Kuala Lumpur) and we lost the Grand Prix and other events because we take a back seat and don’t show a spine.

Agreed

 

[afc9798]

I appreciate the need to upgrade the facilities but in 10 years time (a legitimate time frame for a project like this) and Collingwood, Essendon, West Coast all have over 65,000 members and Fremantle and St Kilda have over 55,000 and are making over $10,000,000 profit, we will still be making just over $1,000,000 with our 45,000 member we currently have.

Maybe the SANFL, the South Australian government can both chip in $300,000,000 and build a new 70,000 seat stadium. They could sell AAMI to be developed into a housing estate to help fund the new stadium.

I am just concerned that in 10 years time the Adelaide Crows will be left behind and not a powerhouse club we should be. .

Won't happen. The SA Govt. has already committed significant funding to AAMI and they wouldn't dream of any proposal that wasn't revolving around this stadium. It has the ability to hold more people with staged upgrades like the Northern Stand, public transport can be improved by either extending a tram or train service to the stadium and the Shopping centre. The stadium needs some life around it, so they should have a couple of glass bridges going to and from the West Lakes Mall and have the shops extend their trading hours to match the game times.

Plenty of easy things that don't cost $300 million can be done, which is why I don't think it will happen. Personally if there was a choice, I would far rather have a stadium closer to the city (and further away from Alberton ), but financially it doesn't stack up and Adelaide Oval will never be an option whilst it's run by dinosaurs who don't have any real vision except for cash receipts.

 

[Adam BK]

If we have a capacity of 25,000, I highly doubt all 25,000 would turn up.

Currently we have a capacity of 54,000 and really 54,000 turn up. It’s not like we are struggling to attracting interest in buying a membership there are enough people that want to go, they just cannot get the opportunity because season ticket holder don’t turn up. Every single ticket is sold.

We do not have a capacity of 54,000, it is 51,515.
Sources:
http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=1
http://www.sanfl.com.au/default.aspx?s=genericnewsdisplay&kw=63&aid=104028

As you said the tickets released to the public get sold out each week, theres not much that can be done about the ticket holders. In an ideal world ticket holders could sell their tickets back for a certain week,but apparently its very complicated to implement such a system. I am sure if they increased the capacity the average crowd rate would rise, due to the fact we have a waiting list. A couple thousand would still miss every week though. I would be interested how big the waiting list is and if it increasing every year. This could decide if increased seating could be possible upgrade in the future.

 

[Glenno23]

The Western Australian football commission announced today a $235 million dollar redevelopment of Subiaco oval.

In the late 1990’s the SANFL altered the look of Football Park by building a new Northern grandstand and increased the capacity of AAMI stadium (formally football Park) by 7000 seats. In 2002 the SANFL removed the aluminium benches with the plastic seating that’s reduced the capacity of the stadium change by 2500 odd seats, my question is:

How long is a reasonable time frame before the SANFL increases Football Park to stay in touch with the other sporting venues in Australia? The Adelaide Football Club would have no trouble filling a 65,000 – 70,000 seat venue but would the South Australian government help out.

I believe that we are currently one of the major market leaders in Australian Rules football but if we don’t stay competitive with different market treads in 10 years time we will be left behind. AAMI stadium should have it capacity increase again to 70,000 with in the next 6 or 7 years so we can stay competitive. I can see that having a major impact on how South Australia is viewed as a football destination.

I seriously cannot see anything like this happening in the next 10 – 15 years

i just heard on the radio, that a commision has looked into the plan for the redevelopment, and that there is major flaws in it.

for it to be approved, they want the stadium to be able to host AFL, Cricket, Soccer and Union. on the proposal it is only for AFL

the second problem they have is public transport. if they are to increase the capacity of the ground, they would have to improve the public transport system that runs by subi, to allow for more spectators, apparentley, there is no room for this to happen.

so who knows what will happen