Sporting Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Dec 13th, 2004
The first stop on the sporting tour is the Western Australian Cricket Association, home to Australia's most successful cricket team. Tours of the WACA Ground and Museum are available at 10am and 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (except match days) for a nominal cost. The tour takes you up to the top level of the grandstand for an overview of the grounds, then to the stump and the members' lounge.
Back on the turf you can re-live the events where Queenslander Matty Hayden scored his world record of 380 test runs. You might also recognise the name Dennis Lillee, one of the world's most fearsome fast bowlers who retired as the then world record wicket-taker with 355 test victims. He is now an honorary patron for WACA. Memorabilia from all the famous games can be found in the WACA Museum.
After its opening in 1986, seven million patrons have utilised the world class facilities of Challenge Stadium for a wide variety of sporting, recreational and commercial activities.
The Challenge Stadium Swimming Pool has hosted two world swimming championships and numerous national and international sporting events. There are indoor and outdoor pools, all with diving and water polo pools. You can even set your own your own PB from the dive board!
At night, Challenge Stadium cranks up the heat for the Wildcats basketball games, where the fans really do get crazy. The Wildcats were arguably the 'Team of the 90's', claiming the league's ultimate prize in 1990, 1991 and 1995.
The Wildcats home court seats 4,500 people and the season runs from October through to April. Tickets are around $15 for adults and $10 for kids
Last but not least is the Subiaco Oval where the AFL is played. This is the largest stadium in Western Australia with a capacity of 43,000. The oval has had numerous upgrades since it was built in 1908, providing better facilities for the players and fans.
Subiaco Oval is home to the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, together with Western Australian Football League outfit Subiaco FC. It's also used for rugby internationals and occasional rock concerts.
The facts
Purchase Wildcats tickets from $15 for adults and $10 for children. The season runs from October to April.
Ticketmaster7
Tel: 1300 136 122
Entry to the Challenge Pool costs from $4.50 for adults and $3.40 for children. Children under 4 years get in free.
Challenge Stadium
Tel: 08 9441 8222
WACA ground tours cost from $10 for adults and $5 for children. Museum tours from $5 for adults and $3 for children.
WACA Museum
Tel: 08 9265 7222
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 13/12/04
