Skilled Stadium

Kardinia Park is an Australian Rules football (AFL) stadium located in Geelong, Victoria and is the home ground of the Geelong Football Club, an AFL team. The stadium is named as a result of a sponsorship agreement between Skilled Group and the Geelong Football Club. The stadium was previously known as Shell Stadium and Baytec Stadium. The last two were also named for sponsorship reasons. Geelong Football Club began playing home games at Kardinia Park in 1941 after its previous home ground, Corio Oval, was needed for military reasons. George Dougherty was the first player to kick a goal at Kardinia Park.

Related Topics:
Australian Rules football - Geelong - Victoria - Geelong Football Club - Skilled Group - Shell - Baytec - 1941 - Corio Oval

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An AUD$28 million redevelopment of the ground was opened on May 1, 2005 during the first home game of the 2005 season which includes a new western entry and membership area, as well as a new grandstand on the eastern side of the stadium. A favourite for the honour of the naming of the new stand was Bob Davis, coach of the Cats' last premiership side in 1963.

Related Topics:
AUD - May 1 - 2005 - Bob Davis - 1963

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On June 15, 2005, City of Greater Geelong councillors granted the club its wish to change the name of the new eastern stand to the Reg Hickey Stand, while the southern stand (currently the E.J Hickey Stand) became the Doug Wade Stand. The northern terrace became known as the Gary Ablett Terrace while the western gate (currently the Gary Ablett Gate) was re-named the Bob Davis Gate.

Related Topics:
June 15 - City of Greater Geelong - Reg Hickey - Doug Wade - Gary Ablett

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On May 23, 2002, Kardinia park hosted a visit from the Dalai Lama.

Related Topics:
May 23 - 2002 - Dalai Lama

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