Fans object to Subiaco Oval naming rights sale

A petition website has been set-up calling for people to oppose the renaming of Perth's Subiaco Oval to Patersons Stadium.

The home of AFL in Western Australia sold its naming rights to a sponsor for the first time back in October 2010 with Perth-based stockbroker Patersons Securities securing a four-year, multi-million dollar deal.

At the time, WA Football Commission chief executive Wayne Bradshaw described the deal, the first in its 102-year history, as a "commercial reality" that will benefit grassroots football in WA.

The City of Subiaco blocked a $5 million naming rights bid from mobile phone retailer Crazy Johns in 2003.

In October, Bradshaw explained "we think it's inevitable that the stadium will need to go down the naming rights path, and from our perspective we're trying to deliver community benefit.

"The naming of Patersons Stadium is a commercial reality that allows the WAFC to deliver community benefit by providing funding to grassroots football."

The petition website refers to Subiaco Oval being "an integral part of life in WA for more than 100 years.

"It represents what is great about our state â sporting prowess, grit and determination, and community spirit.

"Save Our Subi is a platform for Western Australians to voice their concern about the renaming of Subiaco Oval to Patersons Stadium.

"Protest is vital because: Subiaco Oval is part of our state's heritage; our heritage is under threat and we must protect it; the move to change the name of Subiaco Oval is the thin edge of the wedge, symbolising the growing commercialisation of our state; and if we don't act now a piece of Western

Australia's history will disappear forever, setting a precedent for the renaming of other iconic WA landmarks."

The petition can be viewed online at www.saveoursubi.com.au

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