SPECTATORS at Port Adelaide’s game in Shanghai on Saturday will be treated to an improved experience to what was on offer last year.

Upgrades to the Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium will mean better access around the venue for spectators and better facilities for players, including new change rooms.

Port Adelaide Chief Executive Officer Keith Thomas toured the stadium yesterday.

“It feels like coming back to our home away from home,” he said.

“If you remember, this stadium was an old military parade ground built in 1934 and when we found it, it was a golfing range.

“In the last two years we’ve redeveloped it to being probably the best turf stadium in China, which is a really significant achievement.”

Among the improvements are more food and drink kiosks, and the ability for supporters to experience parts of the stadium other than those they were ticketed for.

Mr Thomas said he was pleased with the changes.

“Since last year there’s been a number of improvements that we’ve made,” he said.

“One of the great things about this is that last year we found it was a little bit restrictive getting around the stadium and this year is going to be so much better.

“A lot more effort and thinking has gone into how to make it a really fantastic experience for all of our supporters and so more drinks, more food, more access to the whole oval.”

“It is a beautiful stadium and we can’t wait to get into it.”

Mr Thomas said around 3000 business people would enjoy the game from corporate facilities while as many as 5000 Port Adelaide supporters were expected to travel into Shanghai for the fixture.

He said he had already seen some members of the Port Adelaide family on the streets of Shanghai, where it was particularly hot.

“It’s a bit hot, 35 degrees over here today,” Mr Thomas said.

“But by Saturday we’re hoping it’ll be 25 degrees and a little bit overcast, so perfect conditions.”

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