100 years of sporting achievement

Opening of the University sportsgrounds in 1910
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The Pavilion in 1910
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The newly renovated Pavilion (the Grandstand) in 2010
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Friday, 9 July 2010

The University of Adelaide this weekend celebrates the centenary of the opening of its early sporting grounds and facilities at a special event in the North Parklands.

On 11 July 1910, the South Australian Governor of the time, Sir Day Bosanquet, officially opened the University Oval, the Pavilion (now more commonly called the Grandstand) and the Boat Shed - all icons of the University's sporting history.

On Sunday 11 July 2010, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha and the Adelaide University Sports Association (AUSA) will host current and past sporting heroes of the University's 36 sports clubs, representatives of the Adelaide City Council, and other members of the University and local community to celebrate a century of sporting achievements and plans for the future.

Volunteers from the SA Chapter of the Australian Costumers' Guild and the Victoriana Society of SA will wear historical costumes from the early 1900s and University sporting memorabilia will be on display.

Guests will also have the opportunity to see the new $750,000 renovation of the Grandstand in its original heritage colours and designs for the Boat Shed renovation.

The AUSA will also launch its Sports Facility Plan - a blueprint for the future of University sports grounds and facilities for the next 10 years.

"Sport is an important part of campus life at the University," says Mike Daws, AUSA Executive Officer. "While the University has acquired other sporting grounds and facilities over the years, these original facilities continue to play a major role in the physical health and wellbeing of the University community, in adding to the student experience and life at university, and in creating a sense of collegiality."

The University Oval and Grandstand are home to the University of Adelaide cricket and football clubs and soccer is also increasingly played there. The football club is Australia's largest amateur senior Australian Rules football club. The cricket club is one of the longest established clubs in South Australia.

The Boat Shed, originally built with the help of a generous £750 from Mr Robert Barr Smith, has been a key part of the history of the University of Adelaide Boat Club which has produced world champion rowers and Olympians over the years.

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