Playing home games at Whitten Oval

[Rocco Jones]

I don't want this thread to be either

1- All about emotional rah rah about how awesome it would be without any though about reality

2- Automatic dismissal of the thought without any real idea of the costings
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How much would it cost for us to get Whitten Oval to minimum AFL standards? After all that was spent it would be annoying for it to be too much but I do understand that wasn't the purpose of the upgrade.

I am not saying making it a permanent home venue more a boutiqoue venue for 1-2 games a year against GWS, Suns and/or Freo.

Are we too locked in to deals at the Docklands and/or Darwin for there to be room for this to happen? Is it pretty much a straight profit for games at WO or do we need to pay council etc?

Once again I don't want this to all about emotion just that sometimes it's easy to simply discount good ideas without much thought.

[SlimPickens]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

I don't think it is feasible. We have already had money spent on the facility for elite training purposes, community centres, administration etc.

The ground is no longer a viable option as the previous mentioned has taken up space for grandstands and standing area etc

At a pinch I'd say it would cost at least 100million to get it done(geelongs new grandstand cost 25 mil), considering we're struggling to demolish the debt we have, we would need major contributions from the AFL, governments and community.

AFL wouldn't be interested as they are getting Etihad for free in 12 years and will need teams to play there. Government already supported to help with the current redevelopment, and will be a while before we can head back to that well.

Pipe dream in my opinion

[SonofScray]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

I'll try stay away from pie in the sky stuff, but it is hard not to dream a little on this topic. No idea where to start. But I'll throw a things out there, not costs or anything just how it might look:

EJ Whitten Stand would need serious work. Fire safety and exits etc at a bare minimum.

Other than that could it be done without permanent work? i.e:
introduce temporary 'bleachers' onto the far side of the ground, similar to Manuka.
Porta Loos, temporary fencing, that type of stuff.

To help that come within the realm of reality here is a very long shot fraught with danger:

Cap attendance. Priority given to specific membership packages i.e. Social Club gold etc. Force opposition fans attending to pay a premium. It would be a unique experience in Melbourne, a return to suburban footy. There is something about that which could swing it in favour of vein a winner.

[AndrewP6]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

Cap attendance. Priority given to specific membership packages i.e. Social Club gold etc. Force opposition fans attending to pay a premium. It would be a unique experience in Melbourne, a return to suburban footy. There is something about that which could swing it in favour of vein a winner.

Just to encourage them to attend?

[Eastdog]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

If not the Whitten Oval to play these types of games, do you think the AFL in the future will build a third stadium for say games like us playing GWS, GC etc. AAMI Park obviously is not a footy ground so they won't play the games there.

[SonofScray]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

Just to encourage them to attend?

We have more members than could fit into the ground in the arrangement I threw out there. Basic concept of supply and demand would suggest that non members would have to pay a premium to get in. No need for the roll eyes and getting butt hurt about an idea.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

Do you think the AFL in the future will build a third stadium for say games like us playing GWS, GC etc. AAMI Park obviously is not a footy ground so they won't play the games there.

They've mooted this idea and I've suggested upgrading WO instead of building one from scratch...

[SonofScray]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

They've mooted this idea and I've suggested upgrading WO instead of building one from scratch...

I have some memory of a development further down Footscray Road near where the fruit markets and docks are? Not sure if that was in formal media or just something thrown around on forums. 25k stadium would be handy.

[Eastdog]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

They've mooted this idea and I've suggested upgrading WO instead of building one from scratch...

What would it cost do you think to get the Whitten Oval to AFL Standard?

[AndrewP6]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

We have more members than could fit into the ground in the arrangement I threw out there. Basic concept of supply and demand would suggest that non members would have to pay a premium to get in. No need for the roll eyes and getting butt hurt about an idea.

I just don't get why we would want games where our supporters are the only ones there?

[azabob]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

They've mooted this idea and I've suggested upgrading WO instead of building one from scratch...

What are you expanded thoughts on the upgrade? Did I read correctly you have written something previously on this topic?

[Eastdog]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

I have some memory of a development further down Footscray Road near where the fruit markets and docks are? Not sure if that was in formal media or just something thrown around on forums. 25k stadium would be handy.

I think it was an idea thrown around of forums but a 25K stadium would be good to hold these games against interstate sides.

[Eastdog]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

Ballarat as we played there in the pre season might be an option but I think North Melbounre were looking more into Ballarat.

[SonofScray]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

I just don't get why we would want games where our supporters are the only ones there?

If there is a way to make more money than the current arrangement, that'd be one reason why. An almost entirely pro Dogs crowd would be brilliant for the spectacle and most likely give us an on field advantage, making it a stressful environment for the umpires and the opposition.

Geelong have a similar situation at home.

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Playing home games at Whitten Oval

If there is a way to make more money than the current arrangement, that'd be one reason why. An almost entirely pro Dogs crowd would be brilliant for the spectacle and most likely give us an on field advantage, making it a stressful environment for the umpires and the opposition.

Geelong have a similar situation at home.

Totally agree.

Opposition fans should be catered for one reason and one reason alone, to make more money. What do we owe them?

Also, I mentoned it would be for games against GWS, GC etc. Couldn't imagine too many anyway.

My thinking is a crowd of say 15-20k at Whitten Oval = what at ES $$$