Perth Hockey Stadium opening

In March of 1978 – 44 years ago – a piece of land along Hayman Road was officially granted by the WAIT Capital Works Committee to the Perth Hockey Stadium Council. The catalyst for the venture, named ‘Project 79’ was a bid by the W.A. Hockey Association to host an international competition in 1979; The Esanda World Hockey Tournament.

By June, planning for the field and facilities was underway by architects Hobbs, Winning, Leighton and Partners. The plans comprised of “one synthetic turf hockey field set in landscaped banked surroundings, supporting changerooms, administration rooms, a meeting room and kitchen”.

On 8 April 1979 the Perth Hockey Stadium was officially opened, the first of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

The International Hockey Tournament was held from 20-29 April 1979.  Teams from Australia, Canada, France, India, Netherlands, Great Britain, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand and Pakistan participated, with Pakistan winning the tournament.

These images are of the opening and of Australia and Pakistan playing in the final.