Subiaco Oval

It is Western Australia’s sporting coliseum, the sacred and hallowed turf that has seen every emotion from pure ecstasy to utter devastation.

The ground that holds so many memories for so many WA sporting enthusiasts is arguably the epicenter of sport in this state.

To commemorate the special place it holds in WA sporting folklore, Subiaco Oval  played host to a tribute match to celebrate its hundredth year of football at the ground on the weekend of May 10 and 11.

In celebration of 100 years at Subiaco Oval the City is hosting a temporary exhibition at the Subiaco Museum opening Friday, 9 May.

The exhibition explores the ovals humble beginnings as a sand patch on the Perth Commonage through to the modern day stadium which exists today.

Mayor Heather Henderson said the exhibition demonstrates how integral the oval has been in Western Australian sport and the development of the local community.

Subiaco Oval this year is celebrating 100 years as Western Australia’s ‘Home of Football’ with a range of events being planned by the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC).

The first league game of football was played on the newly established Subiaco Oval on 9 May 1908, with Subiaco 9.5 (59) defeating East Perth 6.8 (44). It was reported that coach Jack Williamson had taught Subiaco “a system and style of play that will take a lot of circumventing.”

The value of Subiaco Oval as the home of football in Western Australian cannot be underestimated. Each week throughout the football season, thousands of spectators enter the state’s major stadium to experience the joys and heartbreaks of the game.

Subiaco Oval is not only the place for people to bring people together in our community and share their passion for football, rugby or music, it also serves a critical role to football’s development and growth in Western Australia.

We invite the Western Australian community to share the excitement of celebrating the 100th anniversary of football at Subiaco Oval.

Neale Fong
Chairman
West Australian Football Commission

The City of Subiaco is proud to partner with the WAFC to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Subiaco Oval.

Subiaco Oval has shaped the identity of the City of Subiaco, from the early days as the ‘sand patch’ for Subiaco Football Club, to 100 years on as the headquarters of football in Western Australia. Over that time the oval has also served as a place for a variety of sporting and recreation activities for our residents whether as players, participants or spectators.

More recently there is the importance of the oval in creating a sense of vitality within our City, with many visitors contributing to and enjoying the hospitality of our business community.

The City of Subiaco invites the community to reflect on the 100 years of the history of Subiaco Oval and enjoy the celebrations throughout 2008.

Heather Henderson
Mayor, City of Subiaco
Patron, Subiaco Oval Centenary