Vignette 113: On the sporting grounds

On 11 July 1910, Sir Day Bosanquet, the then Governor of South Australia, officially opened the University Oval, the pavilion and boat shed.

Thirteen benefactors each donated £100 to pay for the new pavilion while a contribution of £750 from Mr Robert Barr Smith led to the building of the boat shed. Many people, students included, volunteered their labour to prepare the sporting grounds.

These key sports facilities and grounds continue to play a major role in the physical health of students, staff and graduates, creating a sense of collegiality. The University Oval and pavilion—now called The Grandstand — are home to the University’s cricket and football clubs, both of which boast impressive histories. Soccer is played on the grounds too. Our rowers can be seen travelling along the Karrawirra Pari as you walk by.

Renovations to all three facilities have been made possible thanks to many individual benefactors and significant funding from the University itself. Maintaining these facilities enables current and future students to build on the success of those before them as they reap the rewards of their sporting endeavours.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Providing a place. p.154