Manuka Oval Highlights

1920’s

1922
Federal Capital Advisory Committee discusses possible sites for an oval.
Federal Capital Territory Cricket Association formed

1923/24
Perimeter fence erected, rings of trees planted on perimeter of Manuka Oval under the guidance of Charles Weston.

1924
12 July, first recorded sporting event at Manuka Circle Oval – Aussie Rules (Canberra v Duntroon)

1925-26
Concept for Manuka Oval approved by Parliament
By 1926, local sport organisations lobbied for the ground to be enclosed and a tree line and fence were erected.

1927
First game of soccer held between the Federal Capital Territory and Members of the HMS Renown.
First Rugby League match held at Manuka Oval

1930’s

The first cricket match played at the Oval was on Easter Monday, 13 April 1930.

Hockey played

Canberra City Band concerts

Practice turf wickets added

Cycling held at the venue

Baseball hosted at the venue

1935
First Women’s International Cricket match played – local Blue Triangles team v English XI.
Athletics and cricket played on the same day on 2 March 1935

Preparations in 1937 to host English cricketers

1937
MCC plays a Southern/ Western Districts rep side. 5000 spectators attend. Canberra’s ]population is only 8,000. The match featured an all England cricket team and dinner followed at the GGs residence.

1937
Caretaker’s cottage tender accepted

1938
All Blacks rugby play at Manuka Oval.

1940’s

1942
Japanese midget submarine on display

1945
National Sheep Dog Trials held at the venue for the first time – now an 80 year event still running in the ACT

1949
Snow fall (20 July)

1950’s

1951
Plans for Grandstand considered
Highland Gathering- 3k people attended
23 May, French Rugby League team played
PMs XI v West Indies cricket match

1953
Boxing held

1954
Preparations for the Royal Visit, inaugural visit from the Queen and Prince Phillip

1956
Catholic Youth Rally held at the venue

1957
21 December, Professional tennis (3,000 ppl)

1960’s

1963
6 Feb, Bradman Pavilion opened in time for the PMs XI.
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh attend for the Jubilee Year of Canberra

1964
Improvements to seating made

1967
Tennis played at Manuka Oval

1970’s

1971
Springboks play at Manuka Oval

1980’s

1982
Purchase of the MCG Scoreboard in August.

1984
PM Bob Hawke restores the PMs XI tradition with his side playing the West Indies

1987
Menzies stand built

1988
The first PMs XI match played again the Aboriginal Cricket Association. PM Bob Hawke takes part and is bowled for a duck.

1989
PMs XI match v Aboriginal Cricket Association

1990’s

1992
Hawke stand built
10 March, South Africa v Zimbabwe
Menzies stand officially named Menzies on 29 May
First One Day International, South Africa v Zimbabwe

1996
Brumbies play a Super 12 Rugby match at Manuka Oval

1998
First AFL Premiership match – North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

2000’s

2001
Raiders play NRL match

2012
Lights installed

2019
First Test, 1–4 February – Australia v Sri Lanka

2023
Surface upgrade