Sporting legends, media stars and South Australian icons gathered at Adelaide Oval today for the official unveiling of the Ken ‘KG’ Cunningham Media Centre.
Named in honour of one of the state’s most loved and respected media personalities, the media centre in Adelaide Oval’s Riverbank Stand is now adorned with a name plaque, photographic tribute and brief write-up of KG’s storied career as a first-class cricketer, SANFL umpire and sports commentator.
The unveiling event was hosted by KG’s long-time FiveAA co-host and sparring partner Graham Cornes, with tributes from Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority Chair Rob Kerin, Premier Peter Malinauskas, and one of KG’s many media contemporaries and friends, Bruce McAvaney.
All were instrumental in bringing the Ken ‘KG’ Cunningham Media Centre to life.
“For the first time in my life, I can’t find the right words. It’s just an unbelievable gesture by a lot of people,” Ken said in an emotional address following the unveiling.
“This is the greatest honour that has ever been bestowed on my family. To think that I’ve been lucky enough in my life to do what I love and now that my name is attached to Adelaide Oval forever is just incredible.”
SMA Chair Rob Kerin said KG was “part of the fabric” of the history of Adelaide Oval.
“The first game of football I ever witnessed was the 1964 SANFL Grand Final when Ken was the sole field umpire on that historic day,” he said.
“He’s had an incredible relationship with this ground over so many decades, so it’s entirely fitting that Ken’s name now adorns the media centre in the Riverbank Stand.”
As a close mate and former colleague, sports media legend Bruce McAvaney recounted KG’s career and shared why, alongside the Premier and Max Basheer, he recommended Ken for the honour.
“He played cricket with Sir Garfield Sobers, Barrie Richards and the Chappell brothers and my father always said that KG was the best footy field umpire he’d ever seen,” Bruce told the assembled crowd.
“And yet that was just the start of his impact. For all of us who earn our living through sport and broadcasting, we owe a lot to KG whose impact has lasted a lifetime.
“This is the perfect recognition. You’ve shared your life with us and much of that life has been centred on this ground. It’s perfect that future generations will be working in the Ken ‘KG’ Cunningham Media Centre.”
Media enquiries:
Phil Martin, Michels Warren PR
0418 817 876 or pmartin@micwar.com.au