Gather Round Marks A Decade of the Adelaide Oval Redevelopment

Adelaide Oval during Gather Round 2024. Photography via Adelaide Oval/John Montesi

Just over ten years ago, the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide faced off in Showdown XXXVI, a game that unveiled the $535 million redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and the start of a new chapter in the venue’s 150-year history.

The redevelopment stands proud as a landmark architectural icon for South Australia, recognised internationally as a leading example of sports architecture that contributes to the liveliness and vibrancy of its city. From hosting record-breaking cricket matches to pioneering innovations in stadium experiences, Adelaide Oval has etched its name in the annals of sports history.

[above] The first day-night Test ever played – Australia v New Zealand at Adelaide Oval. Photography: Adriano Rotolo

A decade of iconic sporting and cultural moments include milestones such as:

• • The record-breaking cricket match between India and Pakistan during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, not only packing out the stands but attracting over a billion viewers worldwide.
  • The introduction of day-night Test Match cricket in 2015, with Australia facing New Zealand in front of a roaring crowd of 50,000 spectators on the first day. Adelaide Oval has since become synonymous with the pink ball format, solidifying its status as a premiere venue in the international cricketing calendar.
  • The opening of Oval Hotel, making Adelaide Oval the first stadium with an onsite hotel. A pioneering concept in stadium hospitality, Oval Hotel was also designed by COX. Read more about it here.

[above] Oval Hotel. Photography: David Sievers

The oval also celebrated a major AFL first last year when it hosted the inaugural AFL Gather Round. In 2023, more than 170,000 fans spilled through the turnstiles to watch 6 games of footy – with the venue’s reputation as a major destination for social and cultural interaction indisputable. It was so successful in fact, that it’s been locked in for South Australia until 2026.

In 2024, almost exactly 10 years since it reopened, the second ever Gather Round took place. Across four days, 18 teams travelled to South Australia, with five electrifying games held at Adelaide Oval. Across the weekend more than 180,000 fans attended games at Adelaide oval, an increase from last year. There was also more than 800 guests booked in to stay at the luxurious Oval Hotel.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said this year’s Gather Round was one of the “biggest and best” AFL events in the country.