Historical information

Cricketer W.G. Grace said the City Oval was the 'most English' of any grounds he had played on in Australia. The City Ova Grandstand was constructed in 1898 to the designs of Clegg, Kell and Miller. The arched roof is supported by iron columns with cast iron brackets. Three squat lanterns are a feature of the roof, and support flagpoles. The cast iron balustrading at the front of the grandstand features a sunflower pattern, and the upper tiered section covers dressing rooms and internal stairways.

Registered by Heritage Victoria, it is significant as a large and intact grandstand. The design, especially the roof, is unique in Victoria and the setting is enhanced by the ancillary ticket boxes and nearby mature trees. It was classifed by the National Trust on 11 June 1981.

Physical description

Foundation stone at the City Oval grandstand.