The massive redevelopment of the iconic Whitten Oval and home of the Western Bulldogs is now complete and will support elite and grassroots sporting clubs for generations to come.
The state-of-the-art $78 million redevelopment began construction in March 2022, following years of negotiations behind the scenes. The training and administration base has now been handed over in a landmark moment for the club.
The iconic E.J. Whitten Stand has been transformed across the past two years with improved seating and facilities for spectators and now houses the administration staff, club museum and an 82-seat theatrette with a 10 square-metre video board.
The new Indoor Training Field provides a world-class, all-weather venue for the Western Bulldogs’ AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW teams to train in all conditions – delivering integrated men’s and women’s football program facilities.
An expanded Advanced Performance Centre will also support the club’s training and community programs – boosting opportunities for teams and players on and off the field.
The football department has been settled in the Barkly Street end of the of the new facility for most of the season, where an 1800 square-metre indoor training field has been built next to what is believed to be the largest gym in the AFL, as well as a heat chamber, 15-person sauna, and cold and hot pools.
Fans from across Victoria and interstate will also enjoy the new match day pavilion which features a new function room and extra hospitality vendors to bolster the off-field experience.
Named in honour of club legend Ted Whitten, Whitten Oval has been an iconic landmark in Footscray and home of the Bulldogs since 1883, with this redevelopment cementing its status as a premier venue while assisting the Bulldogs with their community programs that support people across the western suburbs and beyond.
