Eric Weissel Oval

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Eric Weissel Oval
Location Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Opened 1959
Closed 2007
Demolished N/A
Owner
Surface Grass
Tenants
Capacity 10,000
Centenary of Rugby League plaque
Centenary of Rugby League plaque

Eric Weissel Oval was a multi-use stadium in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia named after Eric Weissel which opened in 1959[1]. It was used mostly for rugby league matches and had a capacity of 10,000 people, with a record crowd of 11,685 recorded on July 20, 1988 for the Australia Vs Papua New Guinea[2][3]. The oval has hosted City Vs Country (ARL), National Rugby League trial games, Brumbies Vs Waikato Chiefs (Rugby union) and also hosted a match during the 1985 - 1988 Rugby League World Cup.[4]

[edit] Name

The oval was named after Eric Weissel a state and national representative rugby league five-eighth of the 1920s. In spite of representative honours and the allure of the Sydney first grade competition Weissel played his entire club football career in the Riverina with five different clubs including Wagga Wagga.

[edit] Closure

June 2004 the owners of the oval, Wagga Wagga Leagues Club went into receivership[4], however the oval remained open up until 2007.[3] In 2005 Wagga Wagga Leagues Club, Eric Weissel Oval and Allen Staunton Oval was sold to developers.[5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Morris, Sherry (1999). Wagga Wagga, a history. Wagga Wagga: Bobby Graham Publishers, p 259. ISBN 1-875247-12-2. 
  2. ^ Eric Weissel Oval. Austadiums. Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  3. ^ a b Riverina weekend in sport, September 22 and 23. ABC Riverina. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2007-11-28). Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  4. ^ a b Maguire, Daryl (2005-02-23). Wagga Wagga Electorate Sporting Facilities. Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  5. ^ New oval owners consider community use. ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2005-06-13). Retrieved on 2008-05-03.