Adelaide Oval
Adelaide City is home to one of the cricket worlds best-loved stadiums. The Adelaide Oval is a picturesque place to catch a game, with a unique selection of modern facilities that provide a fun day out for the entire family.
Located among pretty gardens with the jutting spire of St Peter’s Cathedral as a stunning backdrop, the Oval feels like it has stepped right out of quintessential England.
The History of the Adelaide Oval
Opened back in 1873 in the middle of a number of heated disputes, it didn’t stage its first Test match until a decade later in 1884. Since then, it has been a prime spot for cricket aficionados and has held numerous Test matches over the years.
The ground isn’t just a cricket hotspot though – it has hosted a number of other sporting events including the 1965 SANFL and a handful of concerts.
What to See and Do at the Adelaide Oval
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The Bradman Collection
Cricket lovers will want to check out the Bradman Collection which is devoted to cricket’s best-loved batsman, Sir Donald Bradman. Within this display, you can browse a selection of minutiae of the legend himself and marvel over the bronze statue of “The Don”.
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Enjoy a Day Out With Friends and Family
The Adelaide Oval offers the perfect setting for a family day out. There are plenty of food and drink outlets to refuel at and there are numerous family rooms throughout the stadium.
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The Unique Grounds
Set amongst picturesque grounds, the uniqueness of the Adelaide Oval is a marvel in itself. Admire the Bay Fig trees that dot the stadium, and enjoy the BBQ decks and outdoor hospitality facilities that can be found on the Village Green. You can also soak up the spectacular views over St. Peter’s Cathedral from the dining rooms.
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Roof Climb Experience
A popular activity for groups is the Roof Climb Experience where you’ll get to traverse the roofline of the Western and Southern Riverbank stand via a narrow bridge. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the grounds below and the city of Adelaide on the horizon. At the end of your adrenaline-pumping experience, you’ll get a certificate of achievement, a group photo and a souvenir cap. There are a range of tours you can do; a day, twilight or night tour. There are also two premium experiences called Game On! where you’ll be able to watch an AFL or NRL game from a view that not many people get to visit! You’ll watch one-quarter of the game from the top of the Southern Riverbank Stand and receive group photos of your group as well as photos of the Adelaide Oval.
Dining Options at the Adelaide Oval
It is not just cricket that the Adelaide Oval brings to its visitors; it also brings a hearty selection of seasonal food. At the Koffee Ink Cafe, which is set on the Telstra Plaza overlooking the cascading River Torrens, you can tuck into smoothies and healthy snacks like gourmet pizzas, wraps, salads, and quiches. There is a great selection of pastries and coffees to try, too.
For a high-end experience, grab a table at The Hill of Grace Restaurant, which offers fine dining for guests in the only restaurant of its kind in a stadium. Dishes are made using fresh, seasonal produce, while the wine collection is the world’s only complete set of Hill of Grace Wines that range from 1958 stock right up to the present day.
For another great dining option why not check out the Malt Shovel Taphouse located at the end of the Adelaide Oval footbridge in the Festival Centre. This riverbank restaurant doubles as a bar where they serve up local artisan beer which you can enjoy with menu items like a local charcuterie board or beef tenderloin. From the taphouse, you’ll have amazing views of the Adelaide Oval, River Torrens and Elder Park.
How to get to the Adelaide Oval
If you plan on parking at the Adelaide Oval, there are two Wilson car parking sites, one on the north end and one in the east. There is also the Riverbank Bridge which connects the Adelaide Oval to the railway station making your next trip to the stadium simple!