Lavington Sports Ground ruled out for 2018 grand finals

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said the decision came as construction works continue at the site, with grandstand and amenities building developments to commence later in the year.

“We are totally focused on the redevelopment and there are no plans to bid to host major events until the stadium is fully completed in 2019,” he said.

“When the facility is finished we can re-enter the regional, state, national and international sporting market place boasting a stadium that will rival anything else in regional Australia. We welcome the opportunity to partner again with the Panthers in 2020 to bid for O&M grand final hosting rights.”

In the meantime, Council will work to build the venue’s forward calendar of events by attracting sporting carnivals interested in utilising multiple playing arenas, attracting new sports and further fostering strong relationships with organisations such as Cricket Australia, the AFL and the NRL to present more blockbuster events from 2020.

“We can fully utilise the new facilities as we burst back onto the scene in 2020 and present major events which offer great sporting spectacles for the regional community but also return enormous economic benefit and brand exposure for Albury and the region,” Cr Mack said.

“We are confident the O&MFNL Board will award hosting rights for 2018 to deliver the very best outcome for the League. AlburyCity will enthusiastically support finals hosting bids for Bunton Park and the Albury Sports Ground should the North Albury and Albury Tigers clubs wish to pursue opportunities.”

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