The sportsground is part of a 15.35-hectare recreation and education hub in the heart of Riverlea, delivered in partnership with Walker Corporation, the City of Playford and Catholic Education South Australia. Three quarters of the site, equivalent to the size of eight Adelaide Ovals, will be dedicated to community sporting facilities and shared with Xavier College Riverlea Park. 

Stage 1, supported by a $15.7 million allocation from the City of Playford’s 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget, will include a central multi-purpose oval for AFL, soccer and cricket, a dedicated soccer pitch, cricket practice nets, lighting, fencing, landscaped spectator areas, off-street car parking and new pedestrian links to connect the neighbourhood to the complex.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the precinct will be a hub for sport and community life.

“As our city grows, so does our commitment to providing the social and sporting infrastructure that connects people and supports active vibrant lifestyles,” Mayor Docherty said.

“This precinct will serve generations of Playford families while showing that Council is supporting planned and sustainable growth with schools, sporting facilities and open space delivered alongside new housing.”

Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant said early delivery of social infrastructure is key to successful communities.

“Delivering major community and school infrastructure early has been an integral part of Walker’s long-term vision for Riverlea,” he said.

The sportsground is co-located with the future Xavier College Riverlea Park campus and will operate under a shared-use model, giving students and the wider community coordinated access.

Stage 1 of the College is already underway, with construction progressing on the second and third floors. With 260 enrolment applications submitted for 2027, the project remains on track for completion in December 2026, ready to welcome its first students at the start of next year.

Executive Director of Catholic Education South Australia Dr Neil McGoran said the facilities will strengthen connections with the Riverlea community and provide spaces that support student learning, wellbeing and belonging.

“This is a significant milestone for Xavier College Riverlea Park and an important step forward in fostering connection between the College and broader Riverlea community,” Dr McGoran said.

“As the College prepares to welcome its first families, we are proud to be working alongside our partners to deliver high-quality facilities that support student learning, formation, wellbeing and connection. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to creating school communities that are open to all.”

Construction of Stage 1 is expected to support up to 100 local jobs during 2026, with the facilities scheduled to be operational in early 2027.