Whitten Oval revamp underway
The stage two redevelopment of VU Whitten Oval has commenced, with demolition of the old EJ Whitten Stand.
The project will deliver integrated men’s and women’s football program facilities for the Western Bulldogs and a new indoor field to support the club’s training and community programs.
The Victorian Government has announced a further $8.2 million in funding for the project, having already committed $36.6 million for the stage two redevelopment to replace ageing facilities and support the growth of the club.
The new EJ Whitten Stand will be built with improved seating and facilities for spectators, along with a new function room, administration offices, and space for the club’s Community Foundation to deliver its programs.
The project will also include new broadcast-quality field lighting, allowing for night AFLW matches without the need for temporary lighting to be brought in as is the case at present.
A new match day pavilion with a merchandise shop, food and beverages, first aid room and amenities and the refurbishment of the entry building and museum are also part of the works.
Following the 2022 AFL season, the playing surface at Whitten Oval will be regraded, resized and resurfaced.
The Whitten Oval in Footscray is the home of the Western Bulldogs, but AFL games stopped being played at the suburban ground in 1997. It has been given a new lease of life in recent years with the return of VFL and hosting AFLW matches.
State two of the redevelopment will be complete in early 2024 and will cement Whitten Oval’s status as a premier AFLW match day and AFL training venue.
Stage one of the redevelopment was completed in 2018 to support the club’s participation in the AFLW competition with female friendly change rooms and umpires’ rooms, and a video scoreboard.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, “This development will be a game-changer for the Bulldogs and their supporters, with upgraded facilities for staff, players and spectators.”
“We’re upgrading sporting facilities right across the state to ensure greater access and to help level the playing field for all participants.”
Western Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler said, “The government’s financial contributions have enabled us to realise our dream of a reimagined precinct, which will not only give our elite men’s and women’s teams the most cutting-edge facilities in the competition, but a place for the whole community of the west to enjoy."
The redevelopment works mean Whitten Oval won’t host AFLW matches during season 7 of the competition, with the Bulldogs to relocate home games to Ikon Park, Punt Road Oval and Mars Stadium.
