Demetriou 'Move to Adelaide Oval or perish!'

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou has all but closed debate on a new stadium in Adelaide by telling the South Australian AFL community it must move to a new Adelaide Oval or perish at AAMI Stadium.

After a meeting with key stakeholders in South Australia football and State Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond, the Adelaide Advertiser reported that Demetriou stated "the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval is a once in a lifetime opportunity for football and cricket.

"We believe there are no viable options or alternatives," added Demetriou, dismissing Redmond's option of a new multi-use city stadium with a roof.

Demetriou declared that the AFL and the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) cannot independently find the funding to negotiate with the South Australian Government to find another stadium in the city away from Adelaide Oval, stating "we are aware of a proposal to build a stadium with a roof, but that requires between $200-300m from football because cricket will not play there."

Details of the new 50,000-seat Adelaide Oval, backed by $535 million in South Australian Government funding, are due to be revealed by the State's Stadium Management Authority.

Demetriou also confirmed more money is to be made by the Crows and Power at Adelaide Oval than at AAMI Stadium.

Image: Adelaide's AAMI Stadium.

26th May 2010 - SPORT SA SLAMS ADELAIDE OVAL OBSESSION

24th February 2010 - AAMI STADIUM HOLDS BACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CLUBS

3rd December 2009 - AFL TO MOVE TO REDEVELOPED 50,000-SEAT ADELAIDE OVAL

30th October 2009 - AFL CHIEF BACKS ADELAIDE CBD STADIUM

12th August 2009 - $350 MILLION UPGRADE PLANNED FOR ADELAIDE OVAL

3rd February 2009 - AUSTRALIA ENTERS RACE FOR FIFA WORLD CUP

22nd December 2008 - AAMI STADIUM UPGRADE TO PRESS ON DESPITE FUNDING CUT

20th February 2008 - NEW STADIUM FOR ADELAIDE?

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