The Crows Shed – used by hundreds of supporters as a post-match gathering point after home games – will move to the new facility before the start of the 2010 season.
The multi-purpose facility – with a floor space of more than 2000 square metres – is to be built on top of the current training facility and will also be used for football training. It will be 50m long and at its widest point on the Max Basheer Reserve side, 50m across. This will provide a diagonal kicking length of about 65m.
Adelaide CEO Steven Trigg said the need for a new supporters’ social area had been high on the priority list for the facility redevelopment.
“The Crows Shed is a very important part of our Club’s culture,” Trigg said. “It is something that has been unique to our football club in the past decade, allowing more than 2000 of our supporters to get together after games.
“It was always a key part of our redevelopment plans. We also have planned for the need to promote extra use of the facilities by the community and our supporters.”
A mezzanine floor overlooks the new Shed and will eventually house the Adelaide Football Club museum; an interactive learning and resource centre; and function rooms. A balcony will run the length of the new facility overlooking Max Basheer Reserve.
“Right from the start of the planning process our three core objectives were clear,” Trigg said. “We have outgrown the current training facility, so we need to provide for our football needs for the next 20 years. We need to replace the Crows Shed and provide better amenities for our supporters, staff, sponsors and the wider community. And we need to provide new opportunities to increase revenue streams to ensure the financial viability of the Club.
“Wise investment in all of these areas will help underpin the future of this football club. It is an exciting time for all involved.”
The current training facility was opened in February 1996.
“Football needs have changed dramatically in the past ten years,” Trigg said. “The players are now full-time professionals who spend countless hours at their workplace for training and meetings, while we have more coaches, training and medical staff.
“Technology has also changed rapidly. Some parts of the players’ area will remain as they are as far as appearances go - but the technology certainly won’t stay the same. The indoor training room also adds significantly to the options for the football department. Moving all the coaches from the current administration building to inside the training facility with the players also gives us more much-needed office space and places the coaching group appropriately alongside the playing and support staff.”
