Work is well underway on improvements for spectators as part of the second stage of the Mildura Sporting Precinct (MSP).
Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel said the majority of soil for the raised spectator banking at the San Mateo Avenue end of the premier oval was now in place and ready to be grassed.
Cr Eckel said once completed this would allow for up to 5,000 spectators in this section alone.
In addition, up to about 350 spectators will be accommodated by 65 aluminium bench seats around the boundary fence of the premier AFL oval, which will be installed in time for the AFLW fixture in October.
“Both of these significant improvements to spectator seating around the premier oval were always part of Stage 2 and will be completed well ahead of the upcoming AFLW clash in October, where we look forward to thousands of people converging on the precinct,” he said.
“After walking along the new spectator banking myself, it really does allow for a fantastic view of the action happening on the premier oval.”
In other progress, designs have been completed for terraced undercover seating, which will be located between the oval and the stadium, accommodating about 200 spectators.
“This terraced seating will offer a great view of the ground as well as increased amenity,” Cr Eckel said.
“We’re expecting work to start on this seating following the upcoming Kings of Leon concert, just to ensure there is no disruption to either the concert, or the construction work.”
Other developments at the precinct in recent weeks include:
- Concrete has been laid for the four new outdoor netball courts, which are expected to be completed before summer competition commences
- Concrete slab for the four indoor squash courts and associated building extensions will be poured by the middle of August
- Installation of the permanent perimeter fencing around the premier oval has started
- Work is progressing on the second oval with construction of the centre wicket table now underway
- Blinds for Court Hall 1 have been ordered from a local supplier and will be installed by mid-September ahead of Mildura Junior Heat and WNBL programming in the second half of this year.
Mildura Mayor Liam Wood said it is exciting to see the second stage of the MSP taking shape so quickly ahead of what will be a massive couple of weeks in October with the AFLW clash between Richmond and GWS Giants on Sunday October 23, followed a week later by global rock act Kings of Leon on Saturday 29 October.
“Whether it’s growth in indoor sports, increased participation in sport more broadly, a new home for one of our region’s SFNL clubs, or attracting some of the biggest sporting and entertainment events ever held in our region, the Mildura Sporting Precinct is certainly delivering everything it promised,” Cr Wood said.
