Port Adelaide officially opens latest stage of Alberton Oval redevelopment

Port Adelaide has officially unveiled the latest stage of its long-term redevelopment of Alberton Oval, with new AFLW high-performance facilities and community infrastructure now complete ahead of the 2026 AFLW season.

The completed works mark another milestone in the transformation of the club’s historic home, delivering dedicated facilities for the AFLW program while enhancing the match-day experience for spectators and expanding community access to the precinct.

Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson, AFLW captain Justine Mules-Robinson and South Australia’s Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Rhiannon Pearce, officially opened the new facilities this week.

Funded through a South Australian Government grant delivered over four years, the latest stage of redevelopment includes dedicated AFLW changerooms, hot and cold recovery baths, administration space, drinks stations and a new player run-out.

The project has also delivered new terraced spectator seating along the eastern boundary of Alberton Oval, designed to improve the viewing experience for families and supporters attending AFLW matches.

Expanded administration facilities have also been completed, including additional office space, meeting rooms, a media studio and a new reception area, allowing the club’s AFL and AFLW programs to operate more closely together from the MG High Performance Centre.

Richardson said the redevelopment was another important step in the club’s long-term vision for Alberton Oval.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the South Australian Government for their support of these important projects," he said.

"Their generous support has allowed us to provide world-class facilities to our AFL and AFLW players, ensuring all our athletes and staff can now operate together within the magnificent MG High Performance Centre."

A closer look at our new AFLW change rooms 🔍 pic.twitter.com/ntz1x6NeT0

— Port Adelaide AFLW (@pafc_w) July 21, 2026

He said the new eastern terraced seating would significantly improve the experience for spectators.

"The new seating will significantly improve the game-day experience, especially for kids and families utilising the activation zones on the eastern side of Alberton Oval."

While celebrating the completion of the latest works, Richardson confirmed the redevelopment of Alberton Oval is far from finished.

"This is one part of a much bigger and ongoing vision for Alberton Oval. We’ll continue working with the State Government and partners on the next phase of development, which includes the Port Adelaide Bowling Club and an additional grandstand."

The broader masterplan aims to continue modernising the precinct while preserving Alberton Oval’s role as the spiritual home of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Beyond elite football, the upgraded facilities have been designed to increase community use of the precinct, with the shared gym, recovery facilities and expanded administration spaces supporting local sporting groups and community programs throughout the year.

Minister Pearce said the project demonstrated the State Government’s commitment to supporting women’s sport while creating long-term community benefits.

"This development also delivers far-reaching benefits for the community, expanding this existing sporting precinct and community assets to support physical activity and social connection," she said.

Located approximately 10 kilometres north-west of Adelaide’s CBD, Alberton Oval has been Port Adelaide’s home since 1880. While AFL home matches are played at Adelaide Oval, Alberton remains the club’s headquarters, training base and home venue for AFLW and SANFL matches.

The latest redevelopment follows the opening of the MG High Performance Centre in 2022 and continues the club’s long-term investment in creating one of Australia’s leading football headquarters.

With further plans now being explored, including an expanded grandstand and redevelopment of the neighbouring Port Adelaide Bowling Club site, Alberton Oval’s evolution is set to continue well into the future.

The 2026 AFLW season commences on August 9, with Port Adelaide’s first home game at Alberton Oval against Hawthorn on August 23.