ACH Group Stadium to host 2020 Bay Sheffield

Colin Rowston, President of the South Australian Athletic League, made the announcement on Friday October 2 after the League had determined that Colley Reserve would be unsuitable with the current COVID19 restrictions in place.

The Bay Sheffield is the state’s richest and most famous footrace which has been run every year since 1887. Not even the historic Stawell Gift has been run every year since its inception, having stopped for four years during World War 2 and this year for COVID19. The 2020 Bay Sheffield will be the 134th consecutive running of the race.

While Colley Reserve is the traditional home of the Bay Sheffield, the race has been run five times at Wigley Reserve and three times at Adelaide Oval. This will be the first time that Glenelg Oval has hosted the event.

The historic nature of the race complements the beginning of celebrations for the Glenelg Football Club which has its 100th birthday in 2021.

The South Australian Athletic League is working closely with SA Health to ensure a COVID safe event, with spectator limits likely to be set at a similar level to those already approved for SANFL games at the venue.

It is yet to be decided whether the event will be conducted during the day or under lights in the evening.