Steel Blue Oval Lighting Update

Exciting milestones are being hit here at Steel Blue Oval Bassendean. Swan Districts have partnered with the Town of Bassendean to build new oval lighting at Bassendean. The club has been using outdated lighting for many years which are lower than minimum lighting standards for general community ovals.  

The new lighting infrastructure will provide 200 Lux lighting, with potential in the future to include additional luminaries increasing the lighting to 500 Lux, which will allow the club to play night games. Swan Districts is contributing $350,000 towards the $1.4 million project with support from the Town of Bassendean, State and Federal Governments and WA Football.  

The Town owns the oval lights and manages the State government Reserve under a Management Order. Swans have a licence agreement with the Town to use the oval precinct and lights.  

“200 Lux is acceptable for training, however 500 Lux is a minimum standard for night WAFL Men’s and WAFL Women’s games,” said Chief Executive Jeff Dennis. 

Once installed, upgrading the new lighting to 500 Lux will cost an additional $350,000 which the Town and Swans can’t afford at this point in time.  

“The considerable project cost is largely due to three reasons: the high water table requiring significant engineered footings, building the infrastructure required to be upgraded in the future to 500 Lux, and Western Power building a new modern power supply into the oval precinct.” 

Pictured below are two of the four light tower footings, which have been poured, and the reinforcement now being installed in readiness for the next stage. In addition, all four of the light towers have been delivered to Steel Blue Oval.  

Moreover, the old scorers tower were recently removed and the excavator is currently in place to commence the footing excavation for the tower between the two heritage grandstands.  

The new light towers are scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2025 season ready for connection to the new electrical supply provided by Western Power. 

More upgrades around Steel Blue Oval that will be ready for the start of the season include new bench seating and fencing located at the iconic Swan Bar, installation of new netting behind both goals, and updated seating in both the Swansmen and Sponsor's Lounges.  

We endeavour to keep our supporters, members and sponsors updated on the progress of the upgrades as they occur. Keep an eye on our social media and subscribe to our Fighting Swan Newsletter here to stay up to date.