Macquarie University today unveiled its newly upgraded University Oval and pavilion facilities, reinforcing the University’s position as a growing hub for high-performance sport in New South Wales.
The $7.5 million redevelopment delivers an AFLW-standard venue that will serve Macquarie University students and sporting clubs, elite and pathway competitions, and the wider community.
The project marks a significant investment in elite and community sport and was jointly funded by the New South Wales Government, AFL NSW/ACT and Redlands School.
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said: “This is a proud moment for Macquarie University and a strong example of what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships between education, government and sport.
“The upgraded University Oval and pavilions provide our students, sporting clubs, partners and the wider community with access to elite-level infrastructure, while creating inclusive and welcoming spaces that support participation at every level of the game.”
The redevelopment included a new state-of-the-art playing surface and major upgrades to the Ron Reilly and Blue Barclay pavilions, including new player and umpire changerooms suitable for all participants, new coaches’ boxes and a function space.
Home to the Macquarie University Australian Football Club and the Sydney Swans Academy, the oval is now capable of hosting AFLW and VFL fixtures and Coates Talent League matches, alongside a wide range of community and representative sport. The venue will also serve as an additional training base for the AFL’s elite NSW-based umpires.
The facilities were officially opened by Professor Dowton at a ceremony attended by the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, New South Wales Minister for Sport; Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi; Principal of Redlands School, Sean Corcoran; and representatives from project partners and the local community.
Good sports: From left, Sean Corcoran, Principal, Redlands School; Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton; Andrew Varasdi Head of AFL NSW/ACT; and the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, at the unveiling of University Oval.
Mr Kamper said: “Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and these upgrades help create an environment where more people feel supported to participate in sport whether this is as an athlete, official or spectator.
“The new facilities and upgrades ensure University Oval can be used to its full potential, supporting the growth of women’s, community and school sport, and providing long-term benefit to athletes at both the grassroots and elite levels.
“I look forward to seeing University Oval become an even more iconic sporting venue.”
Mr Varasdi welcomed the completion of the project and its contribution to the growth of the game.
“The upgrades to University Oval and pavilions at Macquarie University has been a significant project, and we are thrilled to see the facility open today,” he said.
“University Oval will serve as an outstanding facility for high-performance AFL content across all levels of the game in Sydney, and our contribution to this project reflects our commitment to developing high-quality infrastructure that enables our game to grow.”
The project builds on Macquarie University’s expanding portfolio of high-performance sporting facilities, including the recent establishment of Sydney FC’s Centre of Excellence at Macquarie University, which houses elite training fields, athlete facilities and performance staff.
“These investments strengthen our campus as a place where elite athletes, students, researchers and community sport can thrive side by side,” Professor Dowton said.