Melbourne Knights revealed that their exciting and extensive ground and facility works have got underway in Somers Street.
Knights Stadium is one of the most iconic grounds in Australian football and the club is committed to ‘providing a leading sporting facility in Melbourne’s West’ by creating brand new irrigation and drainage systems, new perimeter fencing, new turf for pitches 2 and 3, upgraded lighting and a brand new small sided pitch 4.
There were four notable upgrades that were announced:
- Major structure removal and earthworks
The club are removing the concrete training drill walls on pitch 3, the old Knights Juniors kiosk and the old Drive-In ticket booth. This is to allow enough space for additional earthworks spaces.
- Earthworks, irrigation, and drainage
Melbourne Knights’ major corporate partner for the 2024 season, Symon Brothers Constructions, are helping dig up pitches 2 and 3 to accommodate for new irrigation and drainage systems.
This allows brand-new irrigation technology on two of the ground’s main pitches which will ensure hydration on the playing surface and a top-quality playing environment that all players can expect.
- Lush Green Grass Installations
The club have announced the installation of new, top-quality Santa Ana Couch to pitches 2, 3 and 4, blended with Rye Grass. This gives the club two varieties of grass so that it can have maximum playability in both summer and winter conditions.
- Reinforced Security: New Fencing
Melbourne Knights are investing in strict fencing for pitches 2 and 3, as well as the addition of concrete pathways for spectators. This is to improve overall security at the ground and the aesthetics of the facility.
These upgrades made by Melbourne Knights are in line with the club’s previous statement which suggested the club have that long term vision to eventually join the National Second Division. There are important decisions and upgrades to be made in different sectors before the club make that all important leap.
The ground upgrades improve training and matchday quality through its new pitches, and there is a focus on creating a safer, more aesthetic experience for the fans on each matchday. There is a focal point made by the knights that community engagement and pride in Melbourne’s west is synonymous with the clubs values.