Magazine - Grand Vision for Adelaide Oval

By Editor in General News on 8th Nov 2009 6:00

John Harnden is a South Australian Port Adelaide fan.But, as the SACA's new chief executive, he proclaimed AFL at Adelaide Oval was off the agenda - for now.

"I've always been a Port Adelaide man," revealed Mr Harnden, a South Australian Cricket Association member for three decades. "I think there's been a lot said about the AFL coming here to this ground but we're really not in a position to talk about that today and I think SACA has made its position that it's not in a position to comment on that pretty clear."

Mr Harnden's first challenge, and perhaps what may prove to be his greatest, will be to form a strong working relationship with the SANFL if his beloved Power is to relocate to the CBD.

Given the 44-year-old's impressions of the SACA from afar - working in Melbourne for the past 15 years - this can be accomplished while he realises his "boyhood dream". "I grew up watching Sheffield Shield games and going up the back and bowling in the nets to some of the players," said Mr Harnden, whose appointment ended an exhaustive search to replace the outgoing Michael Deare. "I think there's a great opportunity here in the future; it is a period of change with the new grandstand and the whole redeveloped oval, which really is an icon."

And it is for this reason Mr Harnden is eager to expand the variety of sports hosted at the home of South Australian cricket.

"There's been a lot of talk about the World Cup soccer, a whole range of football games from rugby and rugby union," said Mr Harnden, who launched his career with an honours degree at Adelaide University.

"I think Adelaide Oval has a fantastic reputation both within Australia and internationally. And I think the redevelopment is going to take things to a new level.

"Where I see an opportunity, particularly with my background, is to go out and bring bigger, new events here with that increased capacity which gives us that flexibility. Certainly I think with my background it gives us that opportunity to leverage that and drive that forward."

The "background" Mr Harnden refers to is extensive, particularly his role in managing significant events such as the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Source & More: www.news.com.au

Read more articles in General News, by Editor or from November 2009.