The redeveloped Lavington Sports Ground has scored its first major fixture, with the AFL announcing the venue will host a pre-season game between Richmond and the Western Bulldogs in February next year.
AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said it was a great coup for the community and a perfect way to kick off what will hopefully be a long string of major events to be staged at the ground.
“This is terrific news for our sports-loving community, and after a difficult year it will be a fantastic boost for the local economy and tourism operators,” he said.
“When we set out to redevelop the ground we wanted to make it one of the best sporting venues in regional Australia and the decision to host the Tigers and Dogs here is testament to the entire community’s vision to create a home of sports that puts our city on the national map.
“We’re very excited to be working with the AFL NSW/ACT and the Richmond Football Club as the home team in bringing this event to the border.”
Richmond Tigers CEO Brendan Gale said the club was thrilled to be able to participate in the opening sporting event at the region’s leading sports and events venue.
“Through Aligned Leisure, Richmond Institute and our Next Generation Academy, Albury-Wodonga has become an even more significant region for our club,” he said.
“This is another exciting opportunity for us to showcase the area and strengthen our existing ties with the local community.
“The game will be a magnificent spectacle, played at a facility that locals can be truly proud of.”
The new ground can hold about 12,000 people but details of any COVID-safe regulations still need to be determined.
The twilight match is scheduled to start at 4.40pm on Saturday 27 February, with further details and ticketing arrangements to be released in the New Year.