Alice Springs’ Jim McConville Oval to transition from cricket and AFL oval to rugby field

Ground upgrades to Jim McConville Oval in Alice Springs will commence next month with the project involving the transition from a cricket and AFL oval to a rugby field.

The $309,600 contract was awarded by the Northern Territory Government to local Alice Springs contractor Blueprint NT Pty Ltd.

The works will include:

• Removal and remediation of the existing concrete cricket pitch;

• Design and construction of a new rugby field;

• Relocation of goal posts and scoreboard from ANZAC Oval to Jim McConville Oval including all associated construction works;

• Underground electrical infrastructure for the new scoreboard and future sports lighting.

The goalposts and scoreboard will be relocated and installed after the rugby union competition ends in mid-May 2024 and before the commencement of the rugby league competition in July 2024.

This facility will be utilised by both rugby codes until the Kilgariff Sporting Complex is constructed. The upgrade will mean Jim McConville Oval will be better equipped for future use with sports lighting.

There will be a second tender for the project which will be released in the coming months to conduct the design, development approval, procurement and construction of the sports lighting for Jim McConville Oval.

Northern Territory Minister for Sport Kate Worden noted "Sporting infrastructure is more than just a place to play sport, it provides a place for the community to come together and unite.

"Upgrading Jim McConville Oval will give rugby league and rugby union a temporary home while the new Kilgariff Sporting Complex is developed.

"This project means that Alice Springs will have a new sporting complex and one upgraded sporting facility for the community to use.”

The AFL's development of community sports ovals is a feature in the latest issue of Australasian Leisure Management - issue 161.

Image. Jim McConville Oval Alice Springs Credit: Charlie Lowson/ AFLNT.