Introduction
In 1924 a motorbike racing track called the Motordrome was installed at the Amateur Sports Ground in Yarra Park. The Motordrome was built by a group called 'Melbourne Carnivals', headed by Collingwood businesman John Wren.
The ground hosted a number of Wednesday League and VFA matches includeding three VFA Grand finals (1925-27). A few VFL games were held at the ground in 1933.
A number of deaths and a growing reputation as a dangerous venue led to the removal of the sloped concrete track in 1933 and the ground was renamed Olympic Park Speedway. The site was a motor racing circuit until WW2.
There was major redevelopment around the 1956 Olympic Games, and more recently the site has been used for rugby and soccer. At one time Olympic Park was the only FIFA recognised Soccer Venue in Australia.
Athletics were held at the ground for nearly 50 years, probably the most famous moment is the 1956 National Championships, where John Landy stopped during the Mile race to assist the fallen Ron Clarke. After stopping to assist Clarke, Landy went on to win the event.
Examples of Ground Features
Historical Images
The Motordrome is near the Yarra River, while Punt Road Oval sits close to the more developed MCG.
Airspy collection of aerial photographs c1925-35 - SLV H91.160.439
See http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20592 for the original high definition image on the State Library of Victoria Website |
Airspy collection of aerial photographs Nov 1945 - SLV H91.160/472
See http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/21179 for the original high definition image on the State Library of Victoria Website |
Argus 12Sep1927 p13 Match Ends in Draw
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Argus 10Aug1925 p9 Motordrome
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Argus 29Aug1933 p5 New Football Arena
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Australasian 5-Sep-1925 p78
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Modern Images
Boyles Photos
Important Games
Reference_ 1925 VFA Grand Final
Reference_ 1926 VFA Grand Final
Reference_ 1927 VFA Grand Final
Reference_ 1935 Richmond v South Melbourne - First Pre-season Night Game
External Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Park_Stadium
http://www.mopt.com.au/PortalData/1/Resources//100_Year_History_PDF_for_website.pdf