Eric Weissel Oval

Eric Weissel Oval was a multi-use stadium in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. It was named after local rugby league footballer Eric Weissel and opened in 1959.[1] It was used mostly for rugby league matches and had a capacity of 10,000 people, with a record crowd of 11,685 recorded on 20 July 1988 for the Australia vs Papua New Guinea as part of the 1985 - 1988 Rugby League World Cup where the Aussies defeated the Kumuls by a then world record score of 70–8.[2][3] The oval has hosted City vs Country (ARL), National Rugby League premiership and trial games, Brumbies vs Waikato Chiefs (Rugby union).[4]

Eric Weissel Oval
LocationWagga Wagga, New South Wales
Coordinates35°6′37″S 147°21′5″E
Capacity10,000
SurfaceGrass
Opened1959
Closed2007

Name

The oval was named after Eric Weissel a state and national representative rugby league five-eighth who played in the 1920s and 1930s. In spite of representative honours and the allure of the Sydney first grade competition Weissel played his entire club football career in the Riverina with five different clubs including Wagga Wagga.

Closure and redevelopment

In June 2004 the owners of the oval, Wagga Wagga Leagues Club went into receivership,[4] however the oval remained open up until 2007.[3] In 2005 Wagga Wagga Leagues Club, Eric Weissel Oval and Allen Staunton Oval were sold to developers.[5] The oval was rezoned from private recreation to residential by the Wagga Wagga City Council on 26 September 2005.[6] In December 2008 the owners of the site, McIntyre Nash Pty Ltd, lodged an application to demolish which includes the removal of fencing, grandstand, change rooms and a broadcast box.[6] The Oval was demolished in 2015 by McIntyre Nash along with the neighbouring leagues club, and the housing development is due to start in 2016.

NRL Matches
Season "Home" Team Score "Away" Team Date Referee Crowd
1998 (Rd 23) Sydney City 34-10 Gold Coast Chargers 16 August 1998 Paul Simpkins 4115
  • Schnelle Harmon Stand
  • Centenary of Rugby League plaque

References
  1. Morris, Sherry (1999). Wagga Wagga, a history. Wagga Wagga: Bobby Graham Publishers. p. 259. ISBN 1-875247-12-2.
  2. "Eric Weissel Oval". Austadiums. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  3. "Riverina weekend in sport, September 22 and 23". ABC Riverina. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 28 November 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  4. Maguire, Daryl (23 February 2005). "Wagga Wagga Electorate Sporting Facilities". Parliament of New South Wales. Archived from the original on 2 July 2009. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  5. "New oval owners consider community use". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 13 June 2005. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  6. Holliday, Rebekah (17 December 2008). "WEISSEL'S LAST STAND". The Daily Advertiser. Retrieved 17 December 2008.


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