It’s hard to believe that tomorrow, Friday 29 March 2024, marks 10 years since Showdown XXXVI – the game that heralded the completion of the $535 million redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and the start of a new chapter in our venue’s storied 150-year history.
Since then, Adelaide Oval has celebrated a number of other firsts and witnessed some incredible moments in sporting and cultural history.
Here’s 10 of our favourites. Let us know what you would add!
The first Showdown at a redeveloped Adelaide Oval
The roar of the crowd was deafening and the atmosphere electric. It was only fitting that the return of AFL to Adelaide Oval was celebrated with a Showdown. Port Adelaide’s Matthew Lobbe kicked the first goal, and Port went on to win the game by 54 points.
We also celebrated a major AFL first last year when we hosted the first ever AFL Gather Round – so successful it’s been locked in for SA until 2026.
The first stadium with a RoofClimb
Adelaide Oval was the first stadium with its own RoofClimb experience, allowing visitors to see so much more than the game. This unique attraction is now one of the most coveted experiences in Adelaide, and a must-do for any visitor to the city.
The first ever day-night Test Match
History was made in November 2015 when Australia took on New Zealand in front of a crowd of 50,000 on the first day. Adelaide Oval has since become recognised as the home of the pink ball format and the Adelaide Test has cemented itself as a marquee event on the cricket calendar.
The most watched cricket match in history
International cricket and BBL cricket matches attract fans from around the globe to Adelaide Oval, but none more so than this. In addition to a packed crowd, the eyes of more than a billion people worldwide were on Adelaide Oval when India and Pakistan faced off in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The first stadium with an onsite hotel
We opened Australia’s first stadium hotel in 2020, with Oval Hotel seamlessly integrated into the eastern stand. The boutique hotel is now one of the most sought-after in Adelaide thanks to its unique location and luxury design. Flagship restaurant Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen provides guest with a stunning view of the hallowed turf below, while guest rooms overlook the surrounding parklands.
Our first (record-breaking) AFLW grand final
Crowds exceeded all expectations at our first ever AFLW grand final between the Adelaide Crows and Carlton in 2019. The 53,034 fans who watched Erin Phillips lead the Crows to victory set a new attendance record for a stand-alone women’s sporting event in Australia. 
The largest ever crowd at a redeveloped Adelaide Oval
Adele holds the record for the largest ever crowd since the redevelopment with more than 70,000 attending her 2017 concert. Other rockstar visitors over the last decade include The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Guns ‘N Roses, U2 and Pink.
The best functions and events venue in Australia
Behind the scenes, Adelaide Oval continues to deliver new and exciting experiences for our visitors every day of the year. Adelaide Oval functions and events is consistently awarded and was recently named Australia’s best at the AHA Awards – a credit to the team’s creativity, service and culinary excellence.
The first tier one stadium with colour-capable LED light towers
In December 2023 Adelaide Oval announced a $5 million LED upgrade to its tower lighting system, making it the only major stadium in Australia with full colour and animation tower light capabilities. Fans will see them in action at sporting events, concerts, functions and more.
The legendary teams we’ve hosted along the way
While recognised as Adelaide’s home of cricket and footy, Adelaide Oval has hosted unmissable games for all sporting codes. Our first A-League Grand Final saw Adelaide United win in front of more than 50,000 fans. We’ve welcomed the Wallabies, the Socceroos, Liverpool, the NRL State of Origin and, in just eight weeks, the Matildas.
None of these achievements would be possible without our incredible staff who continue to raise the bar – and you, the fans who continue to show up in droves and bring Adelaide Oval to life.
Look out for more opportunities to celebrate 10 years of new history with us this year as we say thanks to everyone who has played a part.
