PaySmart
Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…
read moreThe Adelaide Oval has been criticised for increases in the cost of its food and beverage items by South Australian Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan after fans attending the International Rules Test on the weekend were forced to pay more than $9 for mid-strength beer.
The Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority (AOSMA) has again increased the price for its food and beverage offerings by an average 2.7% across the range, despite being accused of "fleecing" the public by South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill when it made a similar increase late last year.
The latest increase means regular beers such as West End Draught now cost $9 while craft beers from the likes of James Squire and Little Creatures cost $10.20.
Small bottles of soft drink cost $5.80 while a bottle of water costs $5.
Fans at Sunday's match called the price of drinks "horrendous" and "greedy", further claiming it was "blatant profiteering" on behalf of AOSMA.
Minister Mulligan told the ABC “over half a billion dollars of taxpayer funds have gone into this (venue), and we don't want to see it priced out of the market.
"The fact prices are going up again is going to leave some patrons and some fans to make their own decision about how they eat and drink when they want to go to an event at Adelaide Oval."
Minister Mulligan said clubs and other organisations had set up events and activities outside the oval grounds that were becoming more "heavily patronised by people who are heading to watch a sporting event or another event at the oval".
He added “this oval, and all the services it provides, is meant to provide a massive financial boost to South Australian cricket and football.
"If we see that start to drop off because people don't feel inclined to buy a bottle of water or a sandwich or anything stronger, then I think that's going to be a real shame."
An investigation by Keith Parry, a University of Western Sydney lecturer in sport management, last year found Adelaide Oval to be the second-priciest oval for drinks in Australia behind Subiaco Oval in Perth.
Public pressure and criticism forced AOSMA to marginally reduce F&B prices for some items during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in 2016 but reductions of between 10 and 30 cents were largely considered negligible by the public.
However, AOSMA spokesperson claimed the price rises were to "cover the costs associated with the annual increases seen in supplied goods, wages and operational expenses.
"As always, patrons are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages when coming to events at Adelaide Oval.”
However, Minister Mullighan said the South Australian Government's ability to "force or coerce" Adelaide Oval to change its prices was “extremely limited".
He added “we had the same rigmarole last year when prices were increased before the previous (cricket) season.
Image used for illustrative purposes only.
10th September 2017 - ADELAIDE OVAL MOVES TO BECOME CASHLESS VENUE
20th March 2017 - ADELAIDE OVAL TO GET $9 MILLION SOUND AND LIGHT EQUIPMENT UPGRADE
23rd November 2016 - ADELAIDE OVAL BOWS TO PRESSURE AND CUTS F&B PRICES FOR TEST MATCH
21st November 2016 - OUTCRY OVER INCREASED F&B PRICES AT ADELAIDE OVAL
20th July 2016 - ADELAIDE OVAL WINS SAVOUR CATERING AWARD
27th June 2016 - RESEARCH SHOWS SPORTS FANS FED UP WITH STADIUM FOOD
29th March 2016 - FOUR MILLION PASS THROUGH THE TURNSTILES AT THE REDEVELOPED ADELAIDE OVAL
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…
read moreTicketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…
read moreiEDM integrate Design, Engineering and Delivery Management services to convert existing spaces into exciting new entertainment venues. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with diverse…
read moreWhether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreAflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…
read moreJonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…
read moreFounded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…
read moreTicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!