The
stage two redevelopment of Memorial Drive will begin next month after updated
architectural 3D images were revealed today. This follows the commitment of $44
million in funding from the South Australian Government in November 2020.
The
$44 million stage two project includes:
- The
demolition of the North Stand - Construction
of new Northern and Eastern Facilities linked by a concourse
level, with enhanced patron amenities, food and beverage facilities - Northern
Facility to include a Media and
Sports Technology Centre, with broadcast facilities, media lounge and
space for high performance sports research and development - Eastern
Facility to be integrated with the
Adelaide Oval Southern Plaza, incorporating high performance training
facilities, premium multipurpose event and function spaces - Northern
and Eastern Facilities fully accessible to all levels - Addition
of rigging points on the roof and feature lighting.
Premier Steven Marshall said stage two will continue the transformation of one of the nation’s most iconic sporting precincts into a state-of-the-art arena for sporting, arts and entertainment events.
“Our
investment in Memorial Drive is a game-changer for our state,” Premier Marshall
said.
“Investing
in this precinct is positioning South Australia perfectly to be able to attract
and host more events like A Day at the Drive – the first tennis event in
front of a crowd in close to 12 months.
“Tennis
events over the next decade are going to drive jobs, vibrancy in our city and
will inspire the next generation of South Australian tennis enthusiasts to play
and train right here at home – and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Minister
for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard, said it’s clear the
government’s investment was paying off.
“Stage
two will create a world class venue that can accommodate a range of sporting
and entertainment events,” Minister Wingard said.
“The
project includes two new spectator stands to the east and north of centre court
with new seating with great sightlines, food and beverage facilities and
enhanced amenity.
“We
were able to hold A Day at the Drive and attract the calibre of players
we did because of our investment in the venue – starting with the roof.”
Tennis
SA CEO Debbie Sterrey is looking forward to works beginning at the
Memorial Drive centre courts and the home of Tennis SA.
“We
are thrilled the State Government is investing $44 million towards stage two of
the Memorial Drive redevelopment,” Sterrey said.
“This
funding will continue the transformation of our venue and see it achieve its
potential as a vibrant sporting, community, entertainment and innovation hub,
whilst ensuring the venue’s heritage is retained for years to come.
“We
look forward to works beginning in March, following the Adelaide International
and we thank the South Australian Government for their continued support of
tennis in our state.”
With
a 6,500 seat stadium in a prime location in the centre of Adelaide and the
flexibility to host a wider variety of community, sporting and entertainment
events, Memorial Drive will become an even more valuable asset for all South
Australians.
The
upgrade will also make the venue an attractive proposition for other high
profile tennis events such as Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed
Cup).
The
redevelopment will commence in March and will be event ready for the Adelaide
International in January 2022, with project completion expected in mid-2022.
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