The name of a stadium, sports ground or arena is an integral part of the feel of the place. When you go to the Whitten Oval, you feel the aura of the great man from the moment you enter.
Giving names to sponsors is not something of which I have ever been a big fan. All too often sponsors pull out and a new one is inserted, something the Geelong Football Club was embarrassed by for a number of years.
The new name for the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre, known to all as the Rec Centre, is Eagle Stadium.
According to the council statement: “The name Eagle Stadium was selected as the eagle is the pre-eminent bird in heraldry and in combat it was seen as dominating the field. To the Aboriginal people of the Kulin nation the eagle is also significant, as they believed the world was created by Bunjil who could take the shape of an eagle … Community input was sought regarding the name through focus groups, an online survey and face-to-face surveys being conducted at the Werribee Plaza and Point Cook Town Centre over the December/January period.”
I did not hear about the online survey and I don’t think people doing their Christmas shopping are the best to ask about the name of a stadium. Don’t start me on focus groups – I’ve had enough of them in my radio career.
The name has prompted an online petition directed to the mayor, who holds the sports portfolio.
Do I like the name? No.
It means nothing to me, and says nothing about our history, the site, local sport or anything else that might be relevant.
I do have a few questions though. What were the alternative names? Did anyone ask the people of the Kulin nation their thoughts? Did any readers of this column submit a suggestion online or be part of a focus group or answer one of the face-to-face surveys?
Finally, is the fact the announcement was made on April 1 significant? Maybe council is having an elaborate April fools joke and the real name will be announced soon.
Talk to me
■ What do you think? Post a comment below.
■ If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com.au
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