Adelaide Oval is a major sports and events venue on War Memorial Drive in North Adelaide, known for cricket, Australian rules football and concerts. Its horseshoe-shaped ground brings heritage details, including the hand-operated scoreboard, together with modern stands and facilities. Come for the crowd and clear views from the seats, or book a guided tour to see areas such as the players’ warm-up zones and learn about the ground’s history. Cricket fans can also visit the Bradman Collection in the Riverbank Stand.
A ground shaped by sport
Adelaide Oval opened in 1871 and has hosted cricket, Australian rules football and other sports, as well as concerts. Its sporting history includes the first Test cricket match played here, against England in 1884. The ground remains a venue for international and interstate cricket in summer and football matches in winter.
The stadium has a distinctive horseshoe shape. Redevelopment brought modern stands and facilities while retaining older features, including the Edwardian scoreboard. The design also uses materials chosen to sit alongside the city’s stonework and metal sculpture. The result is a venue where the old scoreboard and newer architecture share the same ground.
The scoreboard and Bradman Collection
The manual scoreboard is one of the Oval’s most recognisable heritage features. On a tour, you can learn how it operates and view the ground from different points around the stadium. Tours also take visitors into areas normally closed to the public, including players’ warm-up spaces.
The Bradman Collection is in a purpose-built museum in the Riverbank Stand. It brings together personal items from Sir Donald Bradman’s cricket career, including bats, balls, clothing and trophies. An onsite theatrette shows footage, and interactive displays let you try cricket-related activities. The collection gives cricket fans a closer look at Bradman’s career and his connection to Adelaide.
Choosing a match or a tour
A match puts the Oval’s size and atmosphere at the centre of the visit. Cricket is played here in summer, while AFL and state football take place in winter. Concerts and other major events also draw crowds. Seating views are generally clear across the ground, though individual seats can differ, and the walkways may become slow-moving at busy events.
A stadium tour is a better fit if you want to explore the venue without attending an event. Guided walking tours run on non-game days and cover the ground’s history and behind-the-scenes spaces. Check tour availability and book in advance, especially if you have a particular date in mind. The Bradman Collection adds another stop for visitors interested in cricket history.
Perguntas frequentes
How long does an Adelaide Oval tour take?
Allow about 60 to 90 minutes for a guided walking tour.
Can you tour Adelaide Oval on a match day?
Tours run on non-game days, so check availability for your date before booking.
What can you see on a stadium tour?
Tours include behind-the-scenes areas such as players’ warm-up spaces, along with views around the ground and its historic manual scoreboard.
Where is the Bradman Collection?
It is in a purpose-built museum in the Riverbank Stand at Adelaide Oval.
