Excitement builds as City of NPSP welcomes two thrilling matches in AFL’s Gather Round at Norwood Oval
The National Tribune
The National Tribune
9 Dec 2022 10:42 am AEST Date Time
Share
The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters has welcomed the announcement that Norwood Oval will host two thrilling matches as part of the AFL Gather Round in April next year.
This morning the AFL announced that Gold Coast and Fremantle will be playing on Friday, 14 April and Greater Western Sydney will take on Hawthorn on Sunday 16 April.
Norwood Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria said Norwood Oval was the “logical choice” for these blockbuster matches.
“We know these games will be hugely popular and that is why the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters has been working with AFL and State Government to deliver a thrilling weekend,” Mayor Bria said.
“The Council has put a lot of effort into this exciting initiative and worked closely with the Norwood Football Club and SANFL.”
“The Council is focusing on, and investing in, the upgrade of catering facilities and will also co-fund other permanent infrastructure improvements to enhance the game day experience for spectators. These investments are part of the longer- term strategy of upgrades at Norwood Oval.”
The recent installation of a large electronic scoreboard, LED ribbon lighting around the fence and new lighting made Norwood Oval an obvious choice for the AFL.
“Norwood Oval has positioned itself to be the best stadium in the State after Adelaide Oval for football, so it makes sense that the Council invest in the facility,” he said.
“We want to help create a great match day experience for locals and interstate visitors coming to Norwood Oval.”
Norwood Football Club President Paul Di Iulio said he welcomed the decision and was grateful the Council reached out to start discussions in November.
“The Club is grateful the Council got on the front foot several weeks ago to help facilitate our bid for an AFL match at Norwood Oval,” Mr Di Iulio said.
“The canteen area was an issue the AFL wanted us to address, so we are pleased with the significant investment to refurbish the canteen which we believe will benefit patrons,” he added.
