#VIS: Inner-City Stadium/Riverbank Precinct

[Ho Really]

I haven't forgotten at all but they are hardly the same thing. Those two events are so far removed from one another that I could go on all day listing the differences. Hosting the Olympics (which is isolated to one city) does not automatically make you a good candidate to host a World Cup.

It is the same thing. It is a huge event, second only to the World Cup in viewing numbers, but that doesn't mean it is any easier logistically! FIFA will look at a host of issues before determing whether we deserve one or not, but I think when you've already hosted many international events successfully (in the various states) you have a good chance. Soccer during the Olympics wasn't isolated to one city.

They'll come that realisation soon enough. Most of those guys wouldn't know the first thing about Soccer. And I'm no expert but I've followed the game long enough to know a little bit about how it works. And I'm sure the FFA would secretly admit that we have no chance and see this as little more than a trial attempt. It's just an opportunity to put themselves out there and try to get some exposure and respect in the soccer world aswell as generating some attention for the sport within Australia.

If the PM, Premiers and Opposition Leaders themselves know nothing there are others who do. Surely the FFA would not waste its time for a bid that is at least 6 or 8 years away? And as others have said, it is worth trying, but it has to be done seriously and professionally.

Cheers

[adam73837]

I think that I can vaguely remeber that during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Mike Rann suggested to the then PM (Howard) to bid for the 2018 World Cup. If Mike rann still stands by that decision, wouldn't he want to see World Cup matches played in Adelaide? Of course the FFA has announced that AAMI is unsuitable and Hindmarsh Stadium is too small. Well, what option do we have? Now would be a great to for Rann to tell the SANFL: If you want to go ahead with your development of AAMI, you can go ahead -but you're on your own because we're going to build a stadium in the city. However after he's said this, he should leave the door open for the SANFL to use the stadium, because whether people like it or not, there's no point in building a huge stadium in Adelaide if neither the Crows nor Port are there (and I'm huge soccer fan). And the club that should really be pushing for a stdium in the city is Port Power becuase despite the fact that they get good crowds, they aren't guaranteed huge crowds like the Crows. However if they were to shift into the city, it would be in a central location and they would get their crowds (BTW, I'm a Crows fan). With the Crows and Port in, the stadium would be ued well all winter and during summer, Adelaide United would host their soccer matches and we can try and get International friendlies and World Cup Qualifiers as well.
And if the SANFL wants total control of it, let the baby have its bottle.
Cheers.

[Wayno]

i could only find examples (mainly in the US) that rely on perfectly flat "astro-turf" style surfaces...

Thanks Wayno, that's a point I've being trying to make to a few here. Moving stands can only be done on hard surfaces or where the artificial turf can be removed (in a short space of time). Grass is not suitable for such operations. Football (soccer), Rugby Union and League are not played on artificial surfaces here in Oz. It is also not looked on favourably by FIFA (soccer's world body) and would rather avoid it completely.

Cheers

So there i was at the Swans -vs- Eagles AFL game being played at Homebush Stadium in Sydney a couple of weeks ago when i noticed the following. The seating slides back/forward across an uneven grassed playing field!

homebush-stadium.jpg (122.99 KiB) Viewed 2755 times

The arrows i've drawn point at whether the grass can be removed to expose the concrete tracks. Apparently they need ~12hours notice to change to an AFL configuration.

Only 4 AFL games get played at homebush each year, while heaps of wugby union and thugby league games get played. Not sure about cricket. The problem being that when the stands are configured for rugby games (which is most of the time) the grass does not grow very well and gets boggy. A few Eagles players tried sliding for the ball and got stuck in the tracks

At least we know it can be done!!!

[Edgar]

good on you Wayne

[Ho Really]

Wayno, do you know whether those seats were undercover? Because that's another issue.

Cheers

[Wayno]

Wayno, do you know whether those seats were undercover? Because that's another issue.

Cheers

yep correct. when configured for rugby/soccer, the seats at Homebush Stadium are not undercover.
Obviously a roofed venue would not have that problem.

[BenJ]

As an aside, Adelaide United's Dario Fontanarosa has apparently secured partial funding from overseas sources for the building of a 45,000 seater soccer only stadium on the Thebarton police barracks site. They are aiming to have it done within a 5 year time frame.

[Cruise]

As an aside, Adelaide United's Dario Fontanarosa has apparently secured partial funding from overseas sources for the building of a 45,000 seater soccer only stadium on the Thebarton police barracks site. They are aiming to have it done within a 5 year time frame.

source?

[Pistol]

^^ an unfortunate source but it was in the Tiser on I think it was Thurs.

[BenJ]

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 73,00.html

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/74698,tr ... witch.aspx

[Cruise]

Interesting!!! I do like the idea of a purpose built stadium over a multi- purpose one though. A stadium designed for both AFL and Soccer just seems stupid frankly.

Normally i would say upgrade Hindmarsh, but i know that is not possible.

so.... Cruise Approves. (hey! that rhymes!)

[Wayno]

Is it just me who believes the facilities help maketh the game (irrespective of the code - afl or soccer)?

I'll definitely attend several AU soccer games each year if a world-class stadium is built next to the city!

[BenJ]

I'll definitely attend several AU soccer games each year if a world-class stadium is built next to the city!

You and several thousand others I reckon. As long as the tramline is extended down Port Road, that would be really great IMHO. Hindmarsh is really limited by the terrible lack of public transport and parking. The bars, conference rooms, office space and hotel which is also apart of the plan would be a good idea too given the fact that it would back onto the River Torrens, lengthening what could become a fantastic entertainment precinct.

This article was published before they had secured partial overseas funding:
http://www.austadiums.com.au/news/news.php?id=355

Not sure if they would still need state government funding now, but with the World Cup bid perhaps that bodes well for some federal funding if they can get onto Kate Ellis. This would after all be a MUCH better option than just upgrading AAMI to play the odd soccer game on.

[rev]

They can upgrade aami all they like, unless they build a roof over it, which covers the retractable seating(ie see pic above)that will be required, it wont see any wc match.

I'm surprised AU has secured some financing for the proposed new stadium. Surprised in a good way. At least they are pushing ahead with it, not expecting governments to cough up the cash.
Although I'm interested to know how they will manage to get hold of the old gaol site, which partly(the buildings on port rd) is still used by SAPOL.

Is it just me who believes the facilities help maketh the game (irrespective of the code - afl or soccer)?

Nope, not just you.
Melbourne Victory moved to a bigger stadium, and the crowds flocked to their home games.

[Ho Really]

Is it just me who believes the facilities help maketh the game (irrespective of the code - afl or soccer)?

I'll definitely attend several AU soccer games each year if a world-class stadium is built next to the city!

It does mate. Especially for families and corporates.

Cheers