Standing here at Jiangwan Stadium, can you feel the echoes of history reverberating through the air? This is more than just a sports venue. It’s a landmark steeped in stories.
Jiangwan Stadium was built in 1934. It was part of the Greater Shanghai Plan. This plan aimed to modernize the city. Dong Dayou designed it. He was responsible for many Shanghai landmarks. His style here is Chinese Art Deco.
Originally, Jiangwan Stadium was known as Shanghai Stadium. It has witnessed significant events. The stadium hosted the National Games of China three times. These games were in 1935, 1948, and 1983. Imagine the excitement of those games.
During World War II, the Battle of Shanghai caused damage to Jiangwan Stadium. The Japanese military action left its mark. Later, the Kuomintang government repaired the stadium. This was for the Seventh National Games in 1948. It was the last National Games before the People’s Republic of China.
In more recent times, Jiangwan Stadium has embraced a different kind of sport: Australian Rules Football. In 2010, it hosted an exhibition match. The Melbourne Demons played against the Brisbane Lions.
Then in 2017, history was made. Jiangwan Stadium hosted its first AFL regular season match. Port Adelaide played the Gold Coast Suns. It was the first AFL premiership match outside Oceania. Port Adelaide won. The score was 16.14 (110) to 4.14 (38). The crowd numbered over 10,000.
For a few years, Jiangwan Stadium became a home away from home for AFL teams. In 2018, Port Adelaide again faced Gold Coast here. In 2019, St Kilda played Port Adelaide. The stadium was even renamed Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium. This was due to a sponsorship deal.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans. No AFL games have been played here since 2019.
The stadium has a capacity of 25,000. For AFL games, it was reduced to around 12,000. This was because of temporary grandstands. They brought fans closer to the action. An athletics track surrounds the field. It was covered for AFL matches. Jiangwan Stadium also hosts amateur soccer and community events.
Getting here is easy. You can take the Shanghai Metro to Jiangwan Stadium Station.
As you leave Jiangwan Stadium, remember its history. It’s a place where Chinese national pride and Australian sporting passion have met. It is a unique blend of cultures.