It incorporated a (banked) cycle racing track, and a new grandstand and seating on the mound were built in 1896.

[6] The first sporting contest held on the oval may have been the cricket "friendly" between two Government departments: the Land Titles Office and Treasury in February 1895, using a matting wicket.

[7] The following month saw a match between two departments of the South Australian Register, though the condition of the ground was hardly conducive to an enjoyable game, a horse show having been held on the oval a week before.

This is the only instance where the SANFL premiership grand final was not decided at either Adelaide Oval or Football Park.

The aboriginal team playing with bare feet won a good game of football by 12.19 to 10.17.