Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

[fuzzy_1990]

You might be wondering why I would post about this on a footy history site, but it fits kinda.

I am researching the History of Kensington Oval, from its foundations excised from an area known as Shipsters Paddock, through to the present. I have done some prelimanary reserch into the history of this great sporting and recreational venue in Adelaide's eastern suburbs and wish to publish my results when I finish.

I am putting a call out for any information, photos reminsences, etc. to anyone who may have information of their time to do with Kensigton Oval which of course was named Olypmic Sportsfield from 1965-1995. A host of sports from Australian Rules Football, Cricket, Althletics, Soccer (Football), etc. and many cultural and recreational events have been held at Kengsinton Oval over the century and a half of its existence. If anyone has any info they would like to share please to post your replies.

[JamesH]

Sounds like an interesting project.

Why did Kensington Oval cease to be a league ground? It still looks pretty good to me. why no SAAFL club there? Its a great looking ground.

How is it used today? Kensington play cricket at Burnside RUFC.

I understand Rex Sellars had a lot to do with saving the oval once it was no longer needed as Olympic sports field. Im sure he would have a few memories of the venue.

[heater31]

Sounds like an interesting project.

Why did Kensington Oval cease to be a league ground? It still looks pretty good to me. why no SAAFL club there? Its a great looking ground.

How is it used today? Kensington play cricket at Burnside RUFC.

I understand Rex Sellars had a lot to do with saving the oval once it was no longer needed as Olympic sports field. Im sure he would have a few memories of the venue.

Pembroke School First team use the oval for both winter and summer sports.

[smac]

I got busted smoking out the back at a school sports day in 1989. Happy to provide more detail if you require it.

[Mr Beefy]

I ran in a relay team in the early 80s, I think we came last.

Sat Sept 7 1957, hosted the SAAFL A1 Grand Final, Rosewater d. Semaphore Centrals.

[Sojourner]

Was the home ground of the South Adelaide FC for several years at one stage early on. Think other SANFL clubs have been tenants there also?

[dedja]

As a student at Norwood High in the 70's, they had their sports day there as Olympic sports field.

[story of my life]

I got busted smoking out the back at a school sports day in 1989. Happy to provide more detail if you require it.

Ha. I was the look out by the dunnies in 88. gave what I thought was a very discreet cough to alert every one that the teachers were coming, but I got in more shite than the kids smoking. My punishment was to run in the 400m about 10 minutes after having a large ice coffee and a pastie.

[JamesH]

such as waste that a good facility is used by a school rather tham a local footy or sporting club

[Interceptor]

As a student at Norwood High in the 70's, they had their sports day there as Olympic sports field.

Yes and would have until the track was ripped up.
Attended a few as student myself and went to an inter-school comp day there as well.

Adelaide City used to play there and living pretty close, could hear the roar of a goal.