Former C'wlth Hockey Stadium renamed Perth Hockey Stadium

29/1/97

Western Australia's foremost hockey venue is to get a new lease of life.

From today (Wednesday, January 29), the former Commonwealth Hockey Stadium at Bentley will be known as the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore unveiled the new name at a ceremony at the stadium.

At the same time, Mr Moore handed over a State Government cheque for $475,000 for the new artificial playing surface.

The Minister said the change of name gave the stadium a more meaningful identity. It would help to market the stadium both locally and overseas.

"It gives the stadium a real identity, and one which is easily identifiable to all hockey-playing countries," he said.

"This is especially important in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Games.

"Hockey has been and remains the most successful amateur sport in Western Australia, with a national and international participation record that has not been equalled by any other sport."

The stadium was opened in 1979. With a permanent seating capacity of 1000 and room for several thousand other spectators, the stadium has hosted test and other international matches, national league and championships games, and State League fixtures.

As well as two wet surfaces, its facilities include 45 supporting grass fields and administration and support offices. It is also the home of the Australian Institute of Sport's men's and women's hockey teams.

The Minister said that with the AIS hockey unit located in Perth, Australia's best hockey players played in local competitions and helped to significantly raise the standard of both the game and the other players.

The State Government has had a long-time commitment to the stadium, contributing $250 000 when the initial synthetic surface was put in. A further $1.6 million was contributed between 1986 and 1989.

The latest allocation brings the total State Government support to $2,325,000.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 222 9595