Baranduda Fields Sporting Complex has opened its doors to the public, with the state-of-the-art facility set to become an important component of the region's sporting landscape.
Part of Wodonga's growth story since the land was purchased in 2012, the precinct is located in the heart of a major growth area.
With other local facilities at capacity, changing sport trends including the extension of seasons and an undersupply of sporting offerings including cricket grounds, the decision was made to develop the site into a major regional sporting hub.
During the initial planning stages, a stakeholder group was established with members from Australian Rules football, netball, athletics, rugby league and soccer clubs at both local and state levels.
These representatives worked with the project team throughout the development of the site to advise on the use of the facility to ensure it was responsive to community need, now and into the future.
The precinct features the highest standard fields and infrastructure, including:
- Two National Premier League (NPL) standard turf football fields with lighting, fencing, irrigation and interchange benches;
- Fully lit fields with 500 LUX on main pitch and 200 LUX on second pitch;
- A large pavilion with two large unisex change rooms which can be easily converted into four or eight smaller change rooms, match officials rooms, first aid rooms, four VIP, media or coaches boxes, meeting rooms, canteen facilities, bar, a social or function space with windows and a balcony overlooking the fields;
- Undercover grandstand seating for 448 people on the main pitch and 192 on the second;
- Raised grassed mounts surrounding the fields for spectator viewing;
- Fully sealed carpark with lighting, with 362 standard carparks and eight accessible spaces available and large overflow car parking areas at the front and rear of the complex;
- Full sized Australian Rules football (AFL) and cricket oval with 200 LUX lighting;
- Two full sized netball courts, a shared football/cricket and netball pavilion with four change rooms, umpires rooms, first aid rooms and canteen facilities;
- Ample parking surrounding the oval, landscaping and shared pathways linking all areas of the facility; and
- Public toilets for spectators.
Construction commenced in 2020 following an injection of federal funding, with the site set to be council-operated.
The precinct will be used by a variety of sporting clubs, associations and school groups, while also available as a contemporary and exciting event location.
The ultimate place to play, watch and enjoy sport, learn more about Baranduda Fields Sporting Complex, including how to book, at wod.city/barandudafieldssportingcomplex
