Manuka Oval Seating Plan
Manuka Oval’s seating layout, with a capacity of approximately 13,550 (up to 16,000 with standing room), is designed to provide an intimate yet versatile experience for cricket, AFL, and other events in Canberra. The main seating areas include the Bradman Pavilion, offering reserved seating with prime views, and the Menzies and Hawke Stands, which provide covered seating options named after former Australian prime ministers.
General admission is popular on the grass hills surrounding the oval, particularly for families and casual spectators, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Wheelchair-accessible seating and companion card options are available on the concourse level, ensuring inclusivity. The compact layout ensures excellent sightlines, enhanced by the historic Jack Fingleton Scoreboard.
Manuka Oval Seating Capacity
Manuka Oval has a seating capacity of 13,550, with a total capacity of approximately 15,000-16,000, including standing room, though this varies by event configuration (e.g., reduced to 13,500 for GWS Giants AFL games). Key seating areas include the Bradman Pavilion, Menzies and Hawke Stands, and general admission grass hills, with wheelchair-accessible seating on the concourse level and reserved seats in the Bradman Stand.
Manuka Oval Establishment
Manuka Oval, located in the Griffith suburb of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, was established in 1929 when the area, originally known as Manuka Circle Park, was enclosed for sporting use. The first cricket match was played on April 13, 1930, marking its formal entry as a cricket venue.
Manuka Oval History
Manuka Oval has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, evolving from an open field used for casual sports like rugby league and Australian rules football into Canberra’s premier venue for cricket and AFL. Named after the Maori word for a small aromatic tree, the oval was developed with tree plantings of cypress, poplar, oak, and elm in the 1920s, creating a picturesque setting. Key developments include the Bradman Pavilion (1962), named after Sir Donald Bradman, and the Robert Menzies and Bob Hawke Stands (1987 and 1992), honoring prime ministers who brought international cricket to Canberra via the Prime Minister’s XI match, first played in 1954. The venue hosted its first ODI in 2008, its first Test match in 2019 (Australia vs. Sri Lanka), and Women’s T20 World Cup matches in 2020. A $4.3 million upgrade in 2011 added 4,300 temporary seats, new media facilities, and stand improvements, with further enhancements like floodlights (2012) and a new media center (2018). The historic Jack Fingleton Scoreboard, relocated from the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1982, adds to its charm. Manuka Oval hosts the ACT Comets, ACT Meteors, GWS Giants (AFL), and the annual PM’s XI game.
Manuka Oval Ticket Prices
Ticket prices at Manuka Oval vary by event and seating type. For AFL matches (e.g., GWS Giants), general admission tickets typically range from $20-$40 for adults, $10-$15 for concessions, and free for children under 15 for some games, with reserved seats starting at $40-$80. Big Bash League (BBL) tickets, such as Sydney Thunder games, start at $20-$30 for general admission, with reserved seating from $50-$100. Prime Minister’s XI or international cricket matches may range from $30-$60 for general admission to $100-$200+ for premium seats or hospitality packages (e.g., outdoor boxes for 8-40 people). Prices can fluctuate based on demand, opponent, or secondary markets.