The Western Bulldogs have returned to their former home ground in time for the start of the AFL NAB Challenge.
A revamp of Whitten Oval worth $1.5 m in West Melbourne, Victoria, paved the way for the team’s return after an absence of 18 years.
As part of the NAB Challenge, the Western Bulldogs will match their skills against the Richmond Tigers at the oval.
The upgrade has been implemented to ensure facilities on match days meet Victorian Football League standards. They include ground lighting improvements, coaches’ Boxes and new change rooms.
Home games played by the Footscray Bulldogs in 2015 will be boosted from five to nine as a direct result of improvements to the ground.
According to Michael Quinn, acting chief executive of the Bulldogs, innovations such as the installation of fencing along the perimeter will help establish a safe environment for people attending everything from leading sporting fixtures and festivals to major community events.
Quinn said West Melbourne residents and visitors would still be able to enter the venue via a number of access points scattered around the grounds.
He added that the upgrade program would also provide training facilities for sporting groups such as the Victorian Women’s Football League.
Notice of future events at the venue is expected to be circulated to locals through the use of flyer printing and media coverage.
The NAB Challenge kicks off at Whitten Oval on February 28th.Get a Free Quote for Boxes
