I quite liked Princes Park in general (although I have fond memories of most suburban grounds, rose coloured glasses). While I understand the partisan reasons for WO over PP, I'd be interested in the arguments for one over the other
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Well Princes Park is in a dead space of Melbourne. Sure its surrounded by attractive active space but there are no eateries or vibrancy and only a tram out the front meaning PT is pretty crap. WO is in the heart of Footscray with a number of eateries, pubs and culture. It also has a train station. What's more if the AFL are serious about equalization how about lending their support at the community level rather than just a football one and supporting a boutique stadium in Footscray? Small to medium enterprises would benefit greatly locally and it would provide a real opportunity to make a difference and put something back in rather than just taking all the time.
My problem with Princes Park (apart from it not being Western Oval) stems from being in the social club which we joined to ensure grand final tickets (?!). There was never enough seating there so we had to go to the snooty receptionist and get tickets to the White Elephant stand. When it was our home game against Carlton we weren't allowed in there at all. I think we treated Fitzroy supporters much better when we shared our ground with them
Great post 1eyedog. It would be great for the Footscray area. Now I know Ballarat is the way to go now and will be doing that - hope it is a huge success but why initially didn't we put money into redeveloping the Whitten Oval to AFL standard. Was it the politics possibly?
4 votes from me
5 for me and number do not seem to change.
No train station is a big one, little parking at PP is another.
We have space to add a multi-story car park at the Barkley St end of the ground too if there was ever a chance of a third boutique stadium - TBH I think the AFL would just rather the Ballarat development go ahead and 2-3 games per year take place up there.
If they had a third boutique stadium in Melbourne, though, would that be for multiple teams? So us, North, StKilda, Melbourne etc would all play games against GWS, GCS, Freo and other low drawers at this venue designed for 10,000-25,000 crowds. Would be amazing for the area if they had 10 to 15 games per year at the ground.