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
– 5 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)

I submit a photo of Bradman which I took at the PM’s XI match 6 February 1963. I believe this is last photo of Bradman as cricketer. The story of the day is at Wiki page on PM’s XI. Bradman is stepping into the shadows of the “new” Bradman Pavilion. Bradman had been dismissed for just four runs to the disappointment of players and 10,000 spectators. I was 11 years old. My camera was a simple Kodak Starflash from the Brownie range. It was loaded with 12 exposure black and white. Standing with me when I took the photo was lifelong friend Bruce Chapman, also 11. Bruce tells me when I collected the prints from the Chemist he was impressed by my assessment – “This photo with Bradman in focus and the background fuzzy was unusual and special – this was probably going to be the last ever photo of Bradman as a cricketer – it was as though the photo shows him stepping into the shadows of retirement.” – Gary Rumble

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

I see that you are seeking memories of Manuka Oval in this, its centenary year. Having come to Canberra as a 13 year old in early 1962, I have many, including playing there in a junior Aussie Rules grand final, which our team (Manuka Bullants) won. But in terms of highlights for your readers, one that stands out is when Don Bradman came out of retirement to lead the PM’s XI against the English team (known as the MCC, the Marylebone Cricket Club) in February 1963. As he came out to bat, everyone in the crowd was hoping to see the Don at his best, but after scoring 4 off the first ball, he was bowled on the second ball. Needless to say, the crowd was extremely disappointed, and I sensed that even the British team were disappointed in a way. I see that your website notes that the Bradman Pavilion was opened in time for that match but I am almost sure that Don Bradman himself officially opened it that day. There was no security in those days and I was able to walk up to Sir Don and request his autograph; he willingly obliged, as did notable English players including Colin Cowdrey, Ted Dexter and Rev David Sheppard. I still have that autograph book. – Peter Aitchison

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