Share Your Memories and Stories
As we celebrate this centenary, we invite the Canberra community to share their personal memories, stories, images, and footage of Manuka Oval. Whether it’s a memorable match, a family outing, or a special moment you’ve experienced at the venue, we want to hear about it. Your contributions will help us create a rich tapestry of community history, showcasing the impact Manuka Oval has had on the lives of so many over the past 100 years. |
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
– 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)
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
