Officials at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, have said that the multi-purpose venue will be ready to host an AFL Aussie rules football match just one week after also staging two concerts for singer Adele.
The British star is due to perform gigs on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, with a stage to be constructed in the middle of the pitch and spectators to stand around to view the concert.
However, with St Kilda set to play Melbourne in a match at the venue six days later, concerns have been raised over how the concert may impact the field of play.
Adele also performed at Perth’s Domain Stadium on February 28, and, despite repair work having taken place, the playing surface during the AFL match between Fremantle and Carlton on March 10 was criticised.
Stadium spokesman Bill Lane has moved to allay any fears over the quality of the playing surface following the gigs, saying that plans are already in place to lay turf protection over the oval to keep foot traffic off the pitch.
“We will replace turf as required,” Lane said, according to The Age. “We have got a very experienced turf management team and we are mindful of the areas that could come under stress and will replace what is needed.”
Share this