City of Playford unveils new vision for Elizabeth Oval

A long-term vision to transform the Elizabeth Oval in Adelaide’s north into an inclusive and community-focused sporting venue has been released, with City of Playford Council endorsing a masterplan for the site at its meeting this week.

Developed in partnership with Central District Football Club (CDFC) and the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), the Elizabeth Oval Masterplan identifies a series of upgrades designed to meet facility standards, improve accessibility and visual appeal, and activate the precinct beyond game day.

City of Playford Mayor, Glenn Docherty explained “Elizabeth Oval is more than a sporting ground - it’s a landmark in the north, and this plan sets out a vision that better reflects its role in our growing community

“We’ve worked closely with Central District and the SANFL to ensure this plan supports elite football, improves accessibility and opens the space to broader community use.

“This is about making Elizabeth Oval a venue people feel proud of, connected to, and welcome in, and that invites the community in beyond major sporting events.”

Elizabeth Oval is the home of CDFC and a key regional sporting venue in northern Adelaide. The club is the designated AFL pathway for aspiring footballers across Playford and into regional SA, meaning the oval plays a key role in supporting grassroots sport and talent development.

The Masterplan sets out a long-term vision to open the site to broader community use and better connect it with the surrounding retail and entertainment offerings in Elizabeth. The goal is to create a more welcoming and flexible space that serves both the Club and the wider community - a critical step as Elizabeth grows as a regional centre for northern Adelaide, the Council said in a statement.

The Masterplan divides the site into four key zones to guide potential upgrades over time, including:

• A new hospitality venue to enhance game-day viewing areas, functionality and user experience;

• A new entry plaza and eastern wing for improved access and year-round community use;

• Grandstand, changeroom and terracing upgrades to improve compliance and inclusivity;

• Supporting infrastructure such as lighting, scoreboards, shelters and canteens.

These zones provide flexibility for delivery through a mix of funding pathways, including Council’s Asset Renewal Program, CDFC-led projects, and potential State and Federal contributions, Council said.

It says appropriate community consultation will occur during the detailed design phases of each zone to ensure local voices help shape the transformation of the space.

The Masterplan does not commit Council to construction or immediate capital works. It will instead act as a strategic framework to guide future planning, investment, and advocacy in partnership with CDFC and the SANFL.

Advising that the oval has been the “heartland for football” in the north for generations, SANFL Chief Executive, Darren Chandler stated “this Masterplan recognises that legacy while laying the foundations for a modern, multi-use community precinct which creates a premier venue for the SANFL State League and local girls and boys aspiring to play football at the highest level.

“Central District Football Club is more than just a club - it’s a community hub, and this project has the potential to unlock new opportunities for health, wellbeing, connection and regional pride.”

Images: Concepts for the redevelopment of Elizabeth Ova. Credit: City of Playford.