Adelaide Oval: Behind-the-Scenes Stadium Tour & Heritage Access

Summary

Adelaide oval tour with local stories history and hidden corners

You’ll step beyond the usual seats at Adelaide Oval with a local guide leading you into player tunnels, inside the heritage scoreboard (if you’re up for steep steps), and past century-old fig trees. Hear stories that bring matches and concerts to life, then explore the Bradman Collection on your own time. Expect laughter, real history under your feet, and maybe a new appreciation for this iconic ground.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because I couldn’t find the right entrance — turns out there are more gates than you’d think at Adelaide Oval, and I circled twice before spotting our guide waving near the old fig trees. She grinned and said, “Don’t worry, everyone gets lost their first time.” The air smelled like fresh grass after last night’s rain, and a couple of die-hard cricket fans were already debating stats nearby. Not what I pictured for a stadium tour, but it felt right.

We wandered through parts of the Oval I never knew existed — narrow tunnels echoing with footsteps, then suddenly out into the open stands where you could almost hear phantom cheers. Our guide (Helen? Maybe Helen) had this way of dropping little facts about the place without making it feel like a lecture. She pointed out dents in the wood where rowdy crowds once banged their fists, and let us peek inside the heritage scoreboard (steep steps, mind your head). The old machinery inside was all levers and numbers — smelled faintly of oil and pencil shavings. There’s no wheelchair access in there, which she apologized for; outside though, everything’s smooth ramps or lifts.

I tried to picture what it must be like on match day — thousands of people roaring as players walk through that tunnel. They let us walk partway down it too. It’s just concrete walls and fluorescent lights but somehow feels electric, even empty. Someone in our group asked about concerts here; apparently AC/DC played once and rattled the whole place. That made me smile — my dad would’ve loved that story.

Afterwards I wandered through the Bradman Collection on my own (it’s free during weekdays), reading letters from Don Bradman to his family. It was quiet in there except for a kid whispering questions to her granddad about cricket bats. I didn’t expect to get a bit choked up reading about someone who meant so much to so many people here. Anyway, if you’re into sports or just want to see Adelaide from a different angle, this stadium tour is worth your morning — even if you do get lost at first.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adelaide Oval behind-the-scenes tour

• Meet expert volunteer guide
• Explore redeveloped stadium features
• Access restricted areas
• Walk through interactive player’s race
• Visit iconic heritage scoreboard
• Experience crowd roar on the ground
• See concert venues inside stadium
• View Bradman Collection exhibits

Top questions

How long does the Adelaide Oval stadium tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes at a steady walking pace.

Is the Adelaide Oval tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is mostly wheelchair accessible except for inside the heritage listed scoreboard.

What should I wear for the Adelaide Oval stadium tour?

Comfortable enclosed footwear is required; stiletto heels are not permitted due to walking distance.

Are children allowed on the Adelaide Oval stadium tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Does the Adelaide Oval stadium tour include access to player areas?

You’ll access restricted areas including part of the interactive player’s race tunnel.

Can I visit the Bradman Collection during my Adelaide Oval day trip?

The Bradman Collection is open Monday to Friday 10am–4pm and is free to view while at the Oval.

Is public transport available near Adelaide Oval?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby for easy access.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for this private stadium tour?

Tours require booking in advance as spaces are limited per session.

What’s included

Your day includes behind-the-scenes access to restricted areas at Adelaide Oval led by an expert local guide; entry inside heritage features like the scoreboard (where possible); plenty of stories along winding corridors; plus time on your own to wander through the Bradman Collection if you wish—just wear comfortable shoes since there’s about 2.5km of walking involved.