It is a ground synonymous with rugby league and some of the most historic St George Dragons teams.
But for the next fortnight, football will call Jubilee Oval home.
St George Football Association will hold its finals series at the iconic Kogarah ground for the first time. More than 500 players will grace the hallowed turf for 23 grand finals played over Saturday and Sunday this weekend and next weekend.
St George FA general manager Craig Kiely said the association was thrilled to have access to the stadium after Georges River Council resumed management of the venue from the St George Illawarra Dragons NRL club in February.
“We appreciate the tremendous support provided by Georges River Council for making this a reality,” he said.
“Clubs, players, coaches and referees are excited about the opportunity to play football at such an iconic local venue and that the experience will provide lifelong memories for all involved. We will also have involvement from our special needs program, [the] St George Warriors.”
Kiely said the association was hopeful that a successful fortnight of finals would result in local football grand finals becoming an annual tradition at Jubilee Oval, widely regarded as the best sporting facility in the St George district with the best playing surface.
Clubs, players, coaches and referees are excited about the opportunity to play football at such an iconic local venue. The experience will provide lifelong memories.
- St George Football Association general manager Craig Kiely
“On resuming management of the stadium, Council took the opportunity to make UOW Jubilee Oval more accessible to other sporting clubs and codes,” Council administration John Rayner said.
“By opening up the oval, Council can ensure greater use of the venue and establish a more vibrant sporting precinct in the local area, while also improving its long-term commercial viability. I am pleased to see the St George Football Association has expressed such a keen interest in using the venue.”
This weekend will see a number of youth grand finals played at Kogarah with the association’s men’s and women’s premier league teams to play their deciders the following week.
St George Junior Rugby League teams will also play their finals at the venue on the following weekend.
