PORT ADELAIDE’s home ground in Whyalla is taking shape with an upgrade of Bennett Oval nearing its completion.

The Whyalla Council provided an update of the redevelopment, which is scheduled to be handed over in less than a fortnight.

The project, which includes an upgrade of the playing surface to AFL standard, new irrigation and improved facilities is well on track for the Marsh Community Series pre-season match between Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs on March 7.

Acting CEO Kristen Clark said Council had a dedicated team working on the oval surface and the project management of the grandstand and facilities redevelopment.

“The oval is looking great and would have been ready for an AFL game on Christmas Day,” Kristen said.

 “We had a lot of people, who fly in to Whyalla, say they see the oval from the air and they’ve never seen it so green.

“That was always the plan to have the surface ready early and that has involved new irrigation and bringing the grass up to scratch.

“We’ve had several visits from AFL, Port Adelaide, South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) and South Australian National Football League (SANFL) officials to view the surface and help with the project.”

The new bar and canteen facilities at the venue have been fitted out and the final works will be finished soon on the updated grandstand, changerooms and public toilets.

General admission tickets are now on sale for the big Marsh Community Series AFL pre-season match between Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs at Bennett Oval in Whyalla on March 7.

Tickets to the game against the Bulldogs are selling fast through Ticketek.