Whitten Oval - Whitten Oval Redevelopment

Whitten Oval Redevelopment

In September 2004, during Grand Final week the Western Bulldogs pulled off one of the most exhilarating coups in the Club's history, with Prime Minister John Howard visiting the oval and announced that his Liberal Government will be contributing $8 Million to spearhead a $19.5 million redevelopment of the Whitten Oval.

Once completed, the redeveloped ground will include a 120 place childcare centre, a conference and convention centre and a state-of-the-art sports, medical, and health care centre. President David Smorgon claimed that the announcement will be recorded as one of the most significant in the Western Bulldogs history.

Construction of the redevelopment commenced in 2005 with the demolition of the old scoreboard and the stand on the outer wing (The E.J Smith stand). Completion of the redevelopment was planned for late 2008 with a large indoor sports hall (incorporating netball, basketball and soccer) scheduled for completion in 2009.

The Elite Learning Centre, a multi-purpose space including exercise and training facilities as well as treatment and laboratory rooms, opened in July 2008. In early 2009 the Western Bulldogs Management moved into their new facilities at the ground.

Mid 2009 construction began on the childcare facility and is visible from the Whitten Oval carpark.