Constructed back in 1920, the Belmore Sports Ground, or more commonly ‘Belmore Oval’, is the spiritual home of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. After departing their digs to play in the comparatively huge ANZ stadium in 1998, the Bulldogs have brought two home games a season back to Belmore since 2015, much to the delight of local fans.
For the first four decades of its existence, Belmore Oval was, fittingly, an oval. It was only in the redevelopment of 1968 that the ground was changed into its current, rectangular shape that is ideal for watching rugby league. With a 9000-capacity grandstand on the western wing, covered standing areas behind both try-lines, and the famous Terry Lamb Hill on the eastern side of the ground, the official capacity of Belmore Sports Ground is listed at 20,000.
Playing their home games at the ground from 1936-1998, the Dogs and their fans firmly established Belmore Oval as their stamping ground. A definite highlight came on April 12, 1993, when a record crowd of 27,804 packed in to see the Bulldogs thrash Parramatta 42-6. However, while the relocation in 1998 to Homebush had many financial benefits, it was a shame for many diehard fans of the game to see the Bulldogs’ traditional home abandoned. Coming to their senses, the Bulldogs installed modern facilities and turned Belmore Oval into their training base, returning in 2012. This was before the commendable decision of bringing home games back to the ground in 2015.
This was a blessing for Doggies’ supporters, especially as Belmore Sports Ground is one of the easiest NRL stadiums to get to by public transport, just a short walk from Belmore Station. While the ground is imbued with Doggies DNA, Belmore Oval was also the home ground of the Eels from 1982-1895, and the Dragons in 1988, while their stadiums were built and redeveloped respectively. Belmore Sports Ground is also the current home ground for Sydney Olympic FC in the National Premier League (NSW).
